The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2008 (cask 311913) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldCaol Ila 5 Year Old 2008 (cask 311913) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryCaol Ila
RegionOther ScotchIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%61.5%
Age21 yr5 yr
Price£84.9£103.9
Rating5.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2008 (cask 311913) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2008 (cask 311913) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £104.

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 affordable (£84.9 vs £103.9)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2008 (cask 311913) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (61.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£103.9 vs £84.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 5 Year Old 2008 (cask 311913) - Artist #6 (La Maison du 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 5 Year Old 2008 (cask 311913) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)

SmokeyMedicinalOilySolventFresh Fruit

Where to buy

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2008 (cask 311913) - Artist #6 (La Maison du Whisky)

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