Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£600
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
£650
| Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Caol Ila |
| Region | Campbeltown | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.2% | 47.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £599.95 | £650 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £600 vs £650.
For beginners: Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 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 affordable (£599.95 vs £650)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£650 vs £599.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Only Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange