Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) vs Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£68
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Caol Ila
£100
| Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) | Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.4% |
| Age | 17 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £68.12 | £99.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Quick verdict
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is better value at £68 vs £100.
For beginners: Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£99.95 vs £68.12)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask 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 Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Where to buy
Balblair 2000 (bottled 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange