Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Caol Ila
£76

Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021
Scallywag
★ 5.00
£49
| Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Scallywag |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 53.1% | 53.1% |
| Age | 10 yr | NAS |
| Price | £75.95 | £49 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021
Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021
Quick verdict
Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021 is better value at £49 vs £76.
For beginners: Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021 is more approachable (65/100 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 £49)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£49 vs £75.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
- −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 Winter Edition 2021 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Only Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021
Where to buy
Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2014 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Scallywag The Winter Edition 2021
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange