Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 2005618/19/23) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 2005618/19/23) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaSpeyburn
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%49.5%
Age6 yr7 yr
Price£60.82£46.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 2005618/19/23) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 2005618/19/23) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £47 vs £61.

For beginners: Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 2005618/19/23) - 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)

Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£46.95 vs £60.82)
  • +Longer maturation (7 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 2005618/19/23) - 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 Speyburn?

Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh FruitToasted

Only Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 2005618/19/23) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

HoneyMalt ExtractVanilla

Where to buy

Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2014 (casks 2005618/19/23) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Speyburn 7 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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