Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask vs Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Caol Ila
£399
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£299
| Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask | Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 55% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Quick verdict
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask 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 Highland?
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus 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
Only Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Where to buy
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange