Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

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

Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal
DistilleryCaol IlaJohnnie Walker
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV49.8%43.8%
Age33 yrNAS
Price£339.08£399
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

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

Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £339 vs £399.

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

Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£339.08 vs £399)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £339.08)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (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 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

Both taste of

Dried Fruit

Only Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1984 (cask 11620) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOily

Only Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Glenury Royal

SherriedVanillaOld WoodToasted

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