Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Rock Island Sherry Edition

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)Rock Island Sherry Edition
DistilleryCaol IlaRock Island
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV57.3%46.8%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£47.21£50
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island Sherry Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island Sherry Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £47 vs £50.

For beginners: Rock Island Sherry Edition is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£47.21 vs £50)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£50 vs £47.21)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Rock?

Rock Island Sherry Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeySherried

Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

MedicinalLeatheryOily

Only Rock Island Sherry Edition

Dried FruitSandyNutty

Where to buy

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2005 (casks 301521, 301523, 301524 & 301527) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)

Rock Island Sherry Edition

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