Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) vs Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L)

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L)
DistilleryCaol IlaJack Daniel's
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltTennessee
ABV58.1%43%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£93.56£99.99
Rating4.86/55.00/5

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value52/100

Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner90/100
Value50/100

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.86).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is better value at £94 vs £100.

For beginners: Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£93.56 vs £99.99)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.99 vs £93.56)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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 Jack?

Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Oily

Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L)

ToastedVanillaTobaccoHoney

Where to buy

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Jack Daniel's Master Distiller Series No.4 (1L)

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