Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 vs Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

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

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryBruichladdichCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%52.9%
Age6 yr10 yr
Price£66.95£89.99
Rating5.00/5

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is better value at £67 vs £90.

For beginners: Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £89.99)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (10 vs 6 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.99 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyOily

Only Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

KipperyFresh Fruit

Only Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

MedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Where to buy

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

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