Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) vs Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£90
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£83
| Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) | Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.5% | 54.3% |
| Age | 14 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £89.95 | £82.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is better value at £83 vs £90.
For beginners: Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£89.95 vs £82.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£82.95 vs £89.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) 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 Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
Only Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish