Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Caol Ila
£62

Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Tyrconnell
★ 5.00
£68
| Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Tyrconnell |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.5% | 46% |
| Age | 5 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £61.95 | £67.63 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is better value at £62 vs £68.
For beginners: Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£61.95 vs £67.63)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (10 vs 5 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£67.63 vs £61.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 Tyrconnell?
Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Only Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Where to buy
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange