Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing) vs Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

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

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
DistilleryCaol IlaDarkness
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%61.3%
Age6 yr8 yr
Price£51.64£71.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner30/100
Value69/100

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing) is better value at £52 vs £72.

For beginners: Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£51.64 vs £71.95)

Cons

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

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (8 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (61.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£71.95 vs £51.64)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (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 Darkness!?

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish 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

Smokey

Only Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

OilyMedicinalKippery

Only Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Where to buy

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2011 (cask 12615) - Provenance Coastal Collection (Douglas Laing)

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

Explore more