Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish vs Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
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 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Caol Ila
£82
| Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish | Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bunnahabhain | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.3% | 52.5% |
| Age | 14 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £82.95 | £81.75 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Quick verdict
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is better value at £82 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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£82.95 vs £81.75)
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£81.75 vs £82.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
- −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 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) 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 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)