Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky vs Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£500

Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£600
| Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky | Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Springbank |
| Region | — | Campbeltown |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 48.2% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £500 | £599.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky is better value at £500 vs £600.
For beginners: Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£500 vs £599.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£599.95 vs £500)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 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 Springbank?
Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (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 Campbeltown character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky
Only Springbank 21 Year Old - Batch 3 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)