Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

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

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
DistilleryCaol IlaDarkness
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.4%61.3%
Age13 yr8 yr
Price£115£71.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner30/100
Value69/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is better value at £72 vs £115.

For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (30/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£115 vs £71.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£71.95 vs £115)

Cons

  • High ABV (61.3%) — may need water

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (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 Darkness!?

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2010 (cask 313567) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

LeatheryOilyOld WoodMedicinal

Only Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

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