Caol Ila 17 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
DistilleryCaol IlaDarkness
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%61.3%
Age17 yr8 yr
Price£83.95£71.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 17 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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 £84.

For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 17 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£83.95 vs £71.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £83.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (61.3%) — may need water

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 17 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 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 17 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

OilyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Where to buy

Caol Ila 17 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

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