Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryBruichladdichCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%43%
Age6 yr13 yr
Price£66.95£50
Rating5.00/54.57/5

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Smoke65/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value75/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner65/100
Value91/100

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £50 vs £67.

For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£66.95 vs £50)

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£50 vs £66.95)
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Port?

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

SmokeyOilyKipperyFresh Fruit

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Coal-gas

Where to buy

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

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