Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.) vs Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
DistilleryCaol IlaBruichladdich
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.9%50%
Age10 yr6 yr
Price£89.99£66.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Smoke65/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value75/100

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is better value at £67 vs £90.

For beginners: Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (10 vs 6 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.99 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £89.99)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.) 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 Port?

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 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

SmokeyOily

Only Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

MedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

KipperyFresh Fruit

Where to buy

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 (Thompson Bros.)

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011

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