Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) vs Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
DistilleryCaol IlaCaperdonich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.4%48%
Age15 yr18 yr
Price£199£139.9
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value36/100

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is better value at £140 vs £199.

For beginners: Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199 vs £139.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£139.9 vs £199)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Caperdonich?

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2014)

Fresh FruitOilySandy

Only Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

MedicinalToastedDried FruitLeathery

Explore more