Royal Brackla 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Brackla
★ 5.00
£220

Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Caol Ila
£180
| Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brackla | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 52.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £219.99 | £180 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £180 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£219.99 vs £180)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£180 vs £219.99)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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
Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Where to buy
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange