Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask CM302) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff) vs Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask CM302) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV55.7%48.8%
Age15 yr23 yr
Price£117.62£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask CM302) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value60/100

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask CM302) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £83 vs £118.

For beginners: Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask CM302) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (55.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£117.62 vs £82.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£82.95 vs £117.62)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 15 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask CM302) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff) 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 Blended?

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask CM302) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCoal-gasLeathery

Only Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Where to buy

Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask CM302) - The Golden Cask (House of MacDuff)

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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