Caol Ila 2002 Distillers Edition / Bot.2014 Islay Whisky vs Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 2002 Distillers Edition / Bot.2014 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£100

Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Linkwood
★ 4.65
£80
| Caol Ila 2002 Distillers Edition / Bot.2014 Islay Whisky | Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Linkwood |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 15 yr |
| Price | £99.95 | £79.95 |
| Rating | — | 4.65/5 |
Caol Ila 2002 Distillers Edition / Bot.2014 Islay Whisky
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila 2002 Distillers Edition / Bot.2014 Islay Whisky
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (4.65 vs 0.00).
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £80 vs £100.
For beginners: Caol Ila 2002 Distillers Edition / Bot.2014 Islay Whisky is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 2002 Distillers Edition / Bot.2014 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£99.95 vs £79.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.7)
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.7/5)
- +More affordable (£79.95 vs £99.95)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 2002 Distillers Edition / Bot.2014 Islay Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 2002 Distillers Edition / Bot.2014 Islay Whisky
Only Linkwood 15 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)