Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£1100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£725
| Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky | Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ardbeg |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 48.1% |
| Age | NAS | 24 yr |
| Price | £1100 | £724.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £725 vs £1100.
For beginners: Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£1100 vs £724.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£724.95 vs £1100)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky
Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)