Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Caol Ila
£62
Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2
Rock Island
★ 5.00
£47
| Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Rock Island |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 51.5% | 56.1% |
| Age | 5 yr | NAS |
| Price | £61.95 | £46.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2
Quick verdict
Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2 is better value at £47 vs £62.
For beginners: Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£61.95 vs £46.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£46.95 vs £61.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 Rock?
Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2 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
Only Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Only Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2
Where to buy
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange