Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£83
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£83
| Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish | Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bunnahabhain | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.3% | 58.3% |
| Age | 14 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £82.95 | £82.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £83 vs £83.
For beginners: Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 13 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)