The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Chorlton Whisky

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldCaol Ila 12 Year Old - Chorlton Whisky
DistilleryThe AntiquaryCaol Ila
RegionOther ScotchIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%57.7%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£84.9£82.45
Rating5.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Chorlton Whisky

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Chorlton Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Chorlton Whisky is better value at £82 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £82.45)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Chorlton Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£82.45 vs £84.9)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — 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 12 Year Old - Chorlton Whisky 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 12 Year Old - Chorlton Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Where to buy

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Chorlton Whisky

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