Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) vs Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV55.5%48.8%
Age14 yr23 yr
Price£89.95£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value60/100

Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £83 vs £90.

For beginners: Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£89.95 vs £82.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£82.95 vs £89.95)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 14 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) 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 Blended?

Blended Malt #1 23 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 Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SmokeyCitricSherriedDried Fruit

Only Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Where to buy

Caol Ila 14 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Blended Malt #1 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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