Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

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

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970sCaol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)
DistilleryBarton BrandsCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%64.9%
AgeNAS8 yr
Price£180£150
Rating5.00/5

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value28/100

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007) is better value at £150 vs £180.

For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£180 vs £150)

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£150 vs £180)

Cons

  • High ABV (64.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Barton's?

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s 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 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007) 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

Honey

Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

ToastedVanillaTobaccoOily

Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

Fresh FruitMalt ExtractCitricYeasty

Explore more