Rock Oyster Sherry Edition vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Rock Oyster Sherry EditionCaol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryRock IslandCaol Ila
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.8%43%
AgeNAS13 yr
Price£44.5£50
Rating5.00/54.57/5

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

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

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

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition is better value at £45 vs £50.

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

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£44.5 vs £50)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£50 vs £44.5)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Rock?

Rock Oyster Sherry Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island 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

Smokey

Only Rock Oyster Sherry Edition

SherriedCitricDried Fruit

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

KipperyOilyFresh FruitCoal-gas

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