Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)The Antiquary 21 Year Old
DistilleryCaol IlaThe Antiquary
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV50%43%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£86.95£84.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value58/100

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value59/100

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Antiquary 21 Year Old is better value at £85 vs £87.

For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£86.95 vs £84.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The Antiquary 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£84.9 vs £86.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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 The?

The Antiquary 21 Year Old 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitTobaccoNutty

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