Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
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
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£67
| Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.5% | 50% |
| Age | 20 yr | 6 yr |
| Price | £104.42 | £66.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Quick verdict
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is better value at £67 vs £104.
For beginners: Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is more approachable (50/100 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 6 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£104.42 vs £66.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£66.95 vs £104.42)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
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 Port?
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011