Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaPort Ellen
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.3%47.5%
Age38 yr33 yr
Price£1341.5£999.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value5/100

Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £1000 vs £1342.

For beginners: Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (38 vs 33 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1341.5 vs £999.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£999.95 vs £1341.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Port?

Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Oily

Only Port Ellen 33 Year Old - Batch 6 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

LeatheryDried Fruit

Explore more