The Epicurean Glasgow Edition vs Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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

The Epicurean Glasgow EditionCaol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryThe EpicureanCaol Ila
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.6%50%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£47.89£60.21
Rating5.00/5

The Epicurean Glasgow Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner30/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

The Epicurean Glasgow Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Epicurean Glasgow Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Epicurean Glasgow Edition is better value at £48 vs £60.

For beginners: Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

The Epicurean Glasgow Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£47.89 vs £60.21)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.6%) — may need water

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£60.21 vs £47.89)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy The?

The Epicurean Glasgow Edition 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeySherriedChocolate

Only The Epicurean Glasgow Edition

Toasted

Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Dried Fruit

Where to buy

The Epicurean Glasgow Edition

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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