TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) vs Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryThompson Bros.Caol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV46%58.4%
Age6 yr6 yr
Price£42.95£69.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value71/100

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £43 vs £70.

For beginners: TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£42.95 vs £69.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£69.95 vs £42.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy TB/BSW?

TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

Only TB/BSW 6 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyHoneyTobacco

Only Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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