The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1980 (Bladnoch)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Antiquary 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1980 (Bladnoch) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Antiquary | Caol Ila |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 55.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £84.9 | £76.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1980 (Bladnoch)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1980 (Bladnoch)
Quick verdict
The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1980 (Bladnoch) is better value at £77 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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£84.9 vs £76.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1980 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£76.95 vs £84.9)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy 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 28 Year Old 1980 (Bladnoch) 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
Both taste of
Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1980 (Bladnoch)