Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky vs Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

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

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay WhiskyGlenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
DistilleryCaol IlaGlenmorangie
RegionHighland
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
AgeNAS15 yr
Price£500£399
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is better value at £399 vs £500.

For beginners: Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£500 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £500)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Glenmorangie?

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

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

SmokeyKipperyMedicinal

Only Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SherriedVanillaToasted

Where to buy

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

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

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