Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

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

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
DistilleryCaol IlaThe Macallan
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.5%43%
Age35 yr18 yr
Price£499.95£399
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £500.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£499.95 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £499.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks) 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 The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1990 - Whiskyland Chapter Eight (Decadent Drinks)

SmokeyFresh FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)

SherriedVanillaDried FruitToastedHoney

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