Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky vs Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£120

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Cardhu
★ 5.00
£84
| Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky | Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Cardhu |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56% |
| Age | NAS | 11 yr |
| Price | £120 | £83.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Quick verdict
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £120.
For beginners: Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£120 vs £83.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£83.9 vs £120)
Cons
- −High ABV (56%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency 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 Cardhu?
Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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 2007 / 8 Year Old / Whisky Agency Islay Whisky
Only Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)