Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005) vs Longmorn 15 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)Longmorn 15 Year Old
DistilleryCaol IlaLongmorn
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.4%45%
Age25 yr15 yr
Price£139£150
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Longmorn 15 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value33/100

Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Longmorn 15 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005) is better value at £139 vs £150.

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

Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£139 vs £150)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 15 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Longmorn 15 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 vs £139)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005) 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.

Who should buy Longmorn?

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

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)

SmokeyOilyMedicinalOld Wood

Only Longmorn 15 Year Old

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToastedFresh Fruit

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