Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 1925785/193/194) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2

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

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 1925785/193/194) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2
DistilleryCaol IlaRock Island
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50%56.1%
Age6 yrNAS
Price£60.82£46.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 1925785/193/194) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2

Smoke65/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 1925785/193/194) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £61.

For beginners: Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 1925785/193/194) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 1925785/193/194) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£60.82 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 £60.82)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 1925785/193/194) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 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

Smokey

Only Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 1925785/193/194) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Fresh FruitCooked FruitSherried

Only Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2

OilyKipperyMossyVegetative

Where to buy

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 1925785/193/194) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2

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