Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£121
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Smögen
★ 5.00
£88
| Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Smögen |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Sweden |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.4% | 61.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 4 yr |
| Price | £120.95 | £88.05 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Quick verdict
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter is better value at £88 vs £121.
For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 4 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£120.95 vs £88.05)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£88.05 vs £120.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (61.1%) — may need water
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Smögen?
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter 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
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter