Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 46% |
| Age | 18 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £44.95 | £34.3 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
The Big Smoke 46
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £45.
For beginners: Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£44.95 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£34.3 vs £44.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) 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.
Who should buy The?
The Big Smoke 46 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
Only The Big Smoke 46
Where to buy
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Big Smoke 46
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange