Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) vs Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Caol Ila
£56

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£67
| Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) | Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.6% | 50% |
| Age | 18 yr | 6 yr |
| Price | £55.95 | £66.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Quick verdict
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is better value at £56 vs £67.
For beginners: Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£55.95 vs £66.95)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 6 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.6%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£66.95 vs £55.95)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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 Port?
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 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 Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Only Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Where to buy
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1990 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange