Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

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

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)William Larue Weller (2015 Release)
DistilleryCaol IlaWilliam Larue Weller
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV48%67.3%
Age45 yrNAS
Price£824.95£501.45
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value10/100

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

William Larue Weller (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

William Larue Weller (2015 Release) is better value at £501 vs £825.

For beginners: Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£824.95 vs £501.45)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£501.45 vs £824.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (67.3%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 William?

William Larue Weller (2015 Release) 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

Only Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyOld Wood

Only William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

VanillaHoneyToastedSherriedMalt Extract

Where to buy

Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

William Larue Weller (2015 Release)

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