Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela vs Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 Fresh Margaux Barrique Finish (cask 315458) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

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

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - AdelaCaol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 Fresh Margaux Barrique Finish (cask 315458) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)
DistilleryBladnochCaol Ila
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.7%57.2%
Age15 yr9 yr
Price£120£89.95
Rating5.00/5

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner70/100
Value42/100

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 Fresh Margaux Barrique Finish (cask 315458) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 Fresh Margaux Barrique Finish (cask 315458) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 Fresh Margaux Barrique Finish (cask 315458) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) is better value at £90 vs £120.

For beginners: Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£120 vs £89.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 Fresh Margaux Barrique Finish (cask 315458) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £120)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 Fresh Margaux Barrique Finish (cask 315458) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

HoneyDried FruitVanillaOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 Fresh Margaux Barrique Finish (cask 315458) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

SmokeyCooked FruitCitric

Where to buy

Bladnoch 15 Year Old - Adela

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 Fresh Margaux Barrique Finish (cask 315458) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

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