Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Caol Ila
£62
J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt
J.G Thomson & Co.
★ 5.00
£40
| Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | J.G Thomson & Co. |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 51.5% | 46% |
| Age | 5 yr | NAS |
| Price | £61.95 | £39.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt
Quick verdict
J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt is better value at £40 vs £62.
For beginners: J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£61.95 vs £39.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£39.9 vs £61.95)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 J.G.?
J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt 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 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Only J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt
Where to buy
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
J.G. Thomson Rich Blended Malt
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange