Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryCaol IlaScallywag
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV53.1%48%
Age10 yrNAS
Price£75.95£56.25
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value89/100

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is better value at £56 vs £76.

For beginners: Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£75.95 vs £56.25)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£56.25 vs £75.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 Scallywag?

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyToastedCitric

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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