Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits vs Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden SpiritsBlended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV54.2%48.8%
Age6 yr23 yr
Price£74.54£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

Smoke66/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value60/100

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits is better value at £75 vs £83.

For beginners: Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£74.54 vs £82.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 6 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£82.95 vs £74.54)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits 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 Blended?

Blended Malt #1 23 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 Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

SmokeySherriedOilyMedicinalCoal-gas

Only Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Where to buy

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2016 (cask CI1623) - Hidden Spirits

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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