The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 1984 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Antiquary 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 1984 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Antiquary | Caol Ila |
| Region | Other Scotch | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 53.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £84.9 | £91.27 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 1984 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 1984 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
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 £91.
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 £91.27)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 1984 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£91.27 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 1984 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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
Both taste of
Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 1984 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)