The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldCaol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryCaol Ila
RegionOther ScotchIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%56.1%
Age21 yr9 yr
Price£84.9£74.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner30/100
Value67/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan) is better value at £75 vs £85.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 9 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £74.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£74.9 vs £84.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water

Who should buy The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan) 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 The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

SmokeyKipperyOilyMedicinalMalt Extract

Where to buy

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

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