The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
The Antiquary
★ 5.00
£85
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£87
| The Antiquary 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Antiquary | Caol Ila |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 50% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £84.9 | £86.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £87.
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
- +More affordable (£84.9 vs £86.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£86.95 vs £84.9)
- −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 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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
Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)