Archer scored this whisky 86 points 
Blind tasting comparison with: https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/169768/caol-ila-2005-gm#note-container
Comparatio
The taste description was the easy part. Now for the unexpectedly sporty part, the comparison.
I tasted in the order “Caol” nose - “Ila” nose - “Caol” taste, finish - “Ila” taste, finish. No neutralization of the tongue between the two whiskys. In terms of color, “Caol” is darker than “Ila”. Not essential, but in such a way that it attracts attention. The first smell comparison gave me an idea of which whisky might come from where. I will ultimately keep this idea as a result, but more on that later.
It is striking how much the two whiskys are actually similar, considering that one of the two is a German whisky. Both have their strengths, "Caol" in my opinion in the nose, "Ila" more on the tongue and in the finish, whereby with "Ila" the nose does not fall off, so that "Ila" is more stringent and stable to me than "Caol" occurs. "Caol" knees relatively quickly on the tongue, which then results in the rather short finish.
But apart from these small nuances, both are qualitatively on a very similar level! I really wouldn't have thought that before.
Conclusion
I think I have a really good chance here ... to ruin a fifty-fifty chance. The two candidates are really very similar in character, there is nothing to be shaken about.
Ultimately, I will follow my suspicion that “Caol” seemed a bit out of place to me. Could of course also be a UA-Caol Ila with a fancy barrel type, but I'll stick with it: “Caol” is a Westfalian, “Ila” is a Caol Ila.
In any case, I am very happy to say that I want to put a German whisky on my watch list.
Resolution:
"Caol" = The Westfalian
"Ila" = Caol Ila
Comparatio
The taste description was the easy part. Now for the unexpectedly sporty part, the comparison.
I tasted in the order “Caol” nose - “Ila” nose - “Caol” taste, finish - “Ila” taste, finish. No neutralization of the tongue between the two whiskys. In terms of color, “Caol” is darker than “Ila”. Not essential, but in such a way that it attracts attention. The first smell comparison gave me an idea of which whisky might come from where. I will ultimately keep this idea as a result, but more on that later.
It is striking how much the two whiskys are actually similar, considering that one of the two is a German whisky. Both have their strengths, "Caol" in my opinion in the nose, "Ila" more on the tongue and in the finish, whereby with "Ila" the nose does not fall off, so that "Ila" is more stringent and stable to me than "Caol" occurs. "Caol" knees relatively quickly on the tongue, which then results in the rather short finish.
But apart from these small nuances, both are qualitatively on a very similar level! I really wouldn't have thought that before.
Conclusion
I think I have a really good chance here ... to ruin a fifty-fifty chance. The two candidates are really very similar in character, there is nothing to be shaken about.
Ultimately, I will follow my suspicion that “Caol” seemed a bit out of place to me. Could of course also be a UA-Caol Ila with a fancy barrel type, but I'll stick with it: “Caol” is a Westfalian, “Ila” is a Caol Ila.
In any case, I am very happy to say that I want to put a German whisky on my watch list.
Resolution:
"Caol" = The Westfalian
"Ila" = Caol Ila
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A strong smoky note, interspersed with tar, heavy oil and seaweed. The smoke note is very spicy and goes in the direction of smoked bacon. Thyme, rosemary, dried sage leaves, pepper. A very slight sweetness from dried fruits, maybe apricots. Banana puree, honey, vanilla, milk chocolate, milk coffee.
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Strong start with sugared fruits and a pleasant smoky note. Less greasy than on the nose, the focus less on spice, but with a higher fruit content, in which strawberries and sweet raspberry jam can be found. Almost tending towards fruit gums. It dries quickly and then a few spices appear, as well as some menthol. Vanilla pudding and caramel.
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The finish is short and crisp, dry and with remnants of the fruit on the tongue. Dry wood and dark chocolate finish off.
