Miyagikyo 15 Year Old vs Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Miyagikyo 15 Year OldCaol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryMiyagikyoCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45%48%
Age15 yr45 yr
Price£699£824.95
Rating5.00/5

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value7/100

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is better value at £699 vs £825.

For beginners: Miyagikyo 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£699 vs £824.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (45 vs 15 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£824.95 vs £699)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Miyagikyo?

Miyagikyo 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Miyagikyo 15 Year Old

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

Only Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyOld Wood

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