Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
DistilleryCaol IlaJohnnie Walker
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV46%43.8%
Age23 yrNAS
Price£341.55£399
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £342 vs £399.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£341.55 vs £399)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £341.55)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokeyOilyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SherriedVanillaDried FruitOld WoodToasted

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