The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldCaol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky
DistilleryThe AntiquaryCaol Ila
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeBlended
ABV43%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£84.9£85
Rating5.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay 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 £85.

For beginners: Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky is more approachable (80/100 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 £85)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£85 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 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

SmokeyChocolateVanillaCitric

Where to buy

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

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