Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
£104
Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Deanston
★ 5.00
£72
| Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Deanston |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.5% | 53.4% |
| Age | 20 yr | 19 yr |
| Price | £104.42 | £71.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £72 vs £104.
For beginners: Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 19 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£104.42 vs £71.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£71.95 vs £104.42)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Deanston?
Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)