The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldCaol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryCaol Ila
RegionOther ScotchIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%45%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£84.9£122.3
Rating5.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 £122.

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 £122.3)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£122.3 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 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedTobaccoNutty

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyCitricHoneyLeathery

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