Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
£700
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Girvan
★ 5.00
£595
| Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) | Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Girvan |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 54.6% | 48% |
| Age | 28 yr | NAS |
| Price | £699.95 | £595 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Quick verdict
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation is better value at £595 vs £700.
For beginners: Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£699.95 vs £595)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£595 vs £699.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) 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 Girvan?
Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Only Girvan 1964 1st Batch Distillation