Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch) vs Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Caol Ila
£70
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Macduff
★ 5.00
£75
| Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch) | Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Macduff |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.3% | 55% |
| Age | 25 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £70.45 | £75.3 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch) is better value at £70 vs £75.
For beginners: Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£70.45 vs £75.3)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 20 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£75.3 vs £70.45)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch) 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 Macduff?
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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
Only Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Only Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange