Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£600

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£399
| Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky | The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | The Macallan |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 18 yr |
| Price | £600 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Quick verdict
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £600.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£600 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £600)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 1974 / 19 Year Old / First Cask #12496 Islay Whisky
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)