Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Macduff
★ 5.00
£75
Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£85
| Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Macduff | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55% | 40% |
| Age | 20 yr | NAS |
| Price | £75.3 | £85 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky
Quick verdict
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £75 vs £85.
For beginners: Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£75.3 vs £85)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£85 vs £75.3)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Macduff 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 7869 & 7872) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Only Caol Ila 2011 / 11 Year Old / Sherry Finish / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky