Ardbeg 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£599
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
£650
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 47.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £599 | £650 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old is better value at £599 vs £650.
For beginners: Ardbeg 21 Year Old is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£599 vs £650)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£650 vs £599)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
Ardbeg 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange