Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£725

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£650
| Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.1% | 40% |
| Age | 24 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £724.95 | £650 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £650 vs £725.
For beginners: Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 16 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£724.95 vs £650)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£650 vs £724.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (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 Islay character.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)