Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
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
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Smögen
★ 5.00
£88
| Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Smögen |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Sweden |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.5% | 61.1% |
| Age | 20 yr | 4 yr |
| Price | £104.42 | £88.05 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Quick verdict
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter is better value at £88 vs £104.
For beginners: Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (30/100 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 4 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£104.42 vs £88.05)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£88.05 vs £104.42)
Cons
- −High ABV (61.1%) — may need water
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 Smögen?
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1996 (cask 11498) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter