The Antiquary 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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

The Antiquary 21 Year OldCaol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryThe AntiquaryCaol Ila
RegionOther ScotchIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%53.1%
Age21 yr10 yr
Price£84.9£75.95
Rating5.00/5

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is better value at £76 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 10 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£84.9 vs £75.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£75.95 vs £84.9)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.1%) — 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 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

Only Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyToastedCitric

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