Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling) | The Antiquary 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | The Antiquary |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 59% | 43% |
| Age | 16 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £61.45 | £84.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling) is better value at £61 vs £85.
For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£61.45 vs £84.9)
Cons
- −High ABV (59%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 16 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£84.9 vs £61.45)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling) 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 The?
The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)
Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Where to buy
Caol Ila 16 Year Old (Bladnoch Bottling)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange