Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky

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

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky
DistillerySpringbankCaol Ila
RegionCampbeltown
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV48.2%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£599.95£500
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value8/100

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky is better value at £500 vs £600.

For beginners: Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£599.95 vs £500)

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£500 vs £599.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Springbank?

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (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 Campbeltown character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOld WoodMedicinal

Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

LeatheryToasted

Only Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky

Kippery

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