Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) vs Cl11 – Elements of Islay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)Cl11 – Elements of Islay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryCardhuCaol Ila
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56%40%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£83.9£110
Rating5.00/5

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value60/100

Cl11 – Elements of Islay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cl11 – Elements of Islay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £84 vs £110.

For beginners: Cl11 – Elements of Islay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£83.9 vs £110)

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Cl11 – Elements of Islay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£110 vs £83.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Cardhu?

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Cl11?

Cl11 – Elements of Islay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitMalt ExtractNew Wood

Only Cl11 – Elements of Islay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeySherriedChocolateCooked FruitToasted

Where to buy

Cardhu 11 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Cl11 – Elements of Islay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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