Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish vs Caol Ila 11 Year Old 1997 (cask 4933) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
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 11 Year Old 1997 (cask 4933) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
£100
| Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish | Caol Ila 11 Year Old 1997 (cask 4933) - Provenance (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bunnahabhain | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.3% | 46% |
| Age | 14 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £82.95 | £99.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 1997 (cask 4933) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 1997 (cask 4933) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is better value at £83 vs £100.
For beginners: Caol Ila 11 Year Old 1997 (cask 4933) - Provenance (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£82.95 vs £99.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 1997 (cask 4933) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£99.95 vs £82.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −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 11 Year Old 1997 (cask 4933) - Provenance (Douglas Laing) 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 Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 1997 (cask 4933) - Provenance (Douglas Laing)