Royal Brackla 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Brackla
★ 5.00
£220
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila
★ 4.20
£199
| Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brackla | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 59.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £219.99 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.20/5 |
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) is better value at £199 vs £220.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£219.99 vs £199)
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £219.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (59.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Royal?
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) 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 Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)