Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) vs Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky

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

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky
DistilleryCardhuCaol Ila
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56%40%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£83.9£120
Rating5.00/5

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value60/100

Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £120.

For beginners: Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£83.9 vs £120)

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£120 vs £83.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Cardhu?

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractNew Wood

Only Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky

SmokeyCitric

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