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 OldCaol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
DistilleryBracklaCaol Ila
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%52.2%
Age21 yr22 yr
Price£219.99£180
Rating5.00/5

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value23/100

Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SherriedVanillaCooked FruitOld WoodToasted

Only Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOilyCoal-gas

Where to buy

Royal Brackla 21 Year Old

Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

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