Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 (cask 321525A) - The Single Cask vs Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 (cask 321525A) - The Single CaskBlended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.5%48.8%
Age8 yr23 yr
Price£82.95£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 (cask 321525A) - The Single Cask

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value60/100

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 (cask 321525A) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £83 vs £83.

For beginners: Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 (cask 321525A) - The Single Cask

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 8 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 (cask 321525A) - The Single Cask 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 Blended?

Blended Malt #1 23 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 Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 (cask 321525A) - The Single Cask

SmokeySherriedOilyDried FruitMedicinal

Only Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Where to buy

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 (cask 321525A) - The Single Cask

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Explore more