The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2012 (cask 325862) - Monologue (Chapter 7)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldCaol Ila 8 Year Old 2012 (cask 325862) - Monologue (Chapter 7)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryCaol Ila
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%51.4%
Age21 yr8 yr
Price£84.9£65.95
Rating5.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2012 (cask 325862) - Monologue (Chapter 7)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2012 (cask 325862) - Monologue (Chapter 7)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2012 (cask 325862) - Monologue (Chapter 7) is better value at £66 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 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £65.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2012 (cask 325862) - Monologue (Chapter 7)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£65.95 vs £84.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.4%) — may need water
  • 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 8 Year Old 2012 (cask 325862) - Monologue (Chapter 7) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2012 (cask 325862) - Monologue (Chapter 7)

SmokeyOilyFresh FruitVanilla

Where to buy

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2012 (cask 325862) - Monologue (Chapter 7)

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