Caol Ila 12 Year Old vs Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

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

Caol Ila 12 Year OldTobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)
DistilleryCaol IlaTobermory
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%68.2%
Age12 yr8 yr
Price£53.9£65.84
Rating4.25/55.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner60/100
Value79/100

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner40/100
Value76/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.25).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old is better value at £54 vs £66.

For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£53.9 vs £65.84)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (68.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£65.84 vs £53.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 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 Tobermory?

Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCooked Mash

Only Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitVanilla

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