Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970sCaol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
DistilleryBarton BrandsCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%59.1%
AgeNAS15 yr
Price£180£199
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value28/100

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner50/100
Value25/100

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is better value at £180 vs £199.

For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£180 vs £199)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199 vs £180)

Who should buy Barton's?

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaHoney

Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

ToastedTobaccoOily

Only Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

SherriedFresh Fruit

Where to buy

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

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