Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)

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

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)
DistilleryPort EllenCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%56.1%
Age33 yr37 yr
Price£999.95£1200
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £1000 vs £1200.

For beginners: Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£999.95 vs £1200)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (37 vs 33 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1200 vs £999.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (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 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice) 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

SmokeyMedicinalOld Wood

Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

LeatheryDried Fruit

Only Caol Ila 37 Year Old 1981 (cask 3245) - Rare Master's Collection (Mackillop's Choice)

KipperyOily

Explore more