Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryBenrinnesCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.5%53.4%
Age15 yr13 yr
Price£99.95£115
Rating5.00/5

Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value50/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is better value at £100 vs £115.

For beginners: Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£99.95 vs £115)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 13 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£115 vs £99.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

Old Wood

Only Benrinnes 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15419) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

NuttySherriedToasted

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyLeatheryOilyMedicinal

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