Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits vs The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits
Caol Ila
£75
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
The Antiquary
★ 5.00
£85
| Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits | The Antiquary 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | The Antiquary |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 51.2% | 43% |
| Age | 8 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £74.95 | £84.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Antiquary 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits is better value at £75 vs £85.
For beginners: The Antiquary 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£74.95 vs £84.9)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£84.9 vs £74.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits 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 The?
The Antiquary 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits
Only The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Where to buy
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2014 - North Star Spirits
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange