Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005) vs Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)
Caol Ila
£139

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Caperdonich
★ 5.00
£140
| Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005) | Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Caperdonich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.4% | 48% |
| Age | 25 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £139 | £139.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Quick verdict
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005) is better value at £139 vs £140.
For beginners: Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£139 vs £139.9)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£139.9 vs £139)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005) 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 Caperdonich?
Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1979 (Special Release 2005)
Only Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection