Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

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

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts
DistilleryArdbegCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.1%61.7%
Age24 yr23 yr
Price£724.95£999
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value7/100

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £725 vs £999.

For beginners: Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£724.95 vs £999)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (61.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£999 vs £724.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 24 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 Islay character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts 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

SmokeyOilyMedicinal

Only Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

Fresh Fruit

Where to buy

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1978 - Rare Malts

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