Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Springbank 10 Year Old 2007 - Local Barley

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

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Springbank 10 Year Old 2007 - Local Barley
DistilleryCaol IlaSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.1%57.3%
Age35 yr10 yr
Price£650£399
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Springbank 10 Year Old 2007 - Local Barley

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value13/100

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 10 Year Old 2007 - Local Barley

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 10 Year Old 2007 - Local Barley is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Springbank 10 Year Old 2007 - Local Barley is better value at £399 vs £650.

For beginners: Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£650 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Springbank 10 Year Old 2007 - Local Barley

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £650)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - 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 Springbank?

Springbank 10 Year Old 2007 - Local Barley 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Caol Ila 35 Year Old 1979 (cask 10594) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

LeatheryOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Springbank 10 Year Old 2007 - Local Barley

Cooked Fruit

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