Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid vs Rock Island 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid | Rock Island 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Rock Island |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 46.8% |
| Age | 13 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £150 | £99.62 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Rock Island 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £150.
For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£150 vs £99.62)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Rock?
Rock Island 21 Year Old 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid
Only Rock Island 21 Year Old
Where to buy
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Rock Island 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange