Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask vs Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Caol Ila
£100
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Clynelish
★ 4.67
£78
| Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask | Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Clynelish |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.4% | 56.7% |
| Age | 14 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £99.95 | £77.95 |
| Rating | — | 4.67/5 |
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (4.67 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £78 vs £100.
For beginners: Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask is more approachable (30/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£99.95 vs £77.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Intense, complex peat smoke character
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More affordable (£77.95 vs £99.95)
Cons
- −Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
- −High ABV (56.7%) — may need water
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask 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 Clynelish?
Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563C) - The Single Cask
Only Clynelish 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)