Caol Ila 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 5284 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 5284 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila
★ 3.33
£110
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
The Lakes Distillery
★ 5.00
£85
| Caol Ila 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 5284 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | The Lakes Distillery |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | England |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.9% | 52% |
| Age | 27 yr | NAS |
| Price | £109.95 | £84.95 |
| Rating | 3.33/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 5284 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Caol Ila 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 5284 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Quick verdict
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.33).
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £110.
For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 5284 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£109.95 vs £84.95)
- −Lower community rating (3.3 vs 5.0)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£84.95 vs £109.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 5284 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 The?
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 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 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 5284 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5