Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) vs Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 303408 & 303410) - Dalgety (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

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

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 303408 & 303410) - Dalgety (Hannah Whisky Merchants)
DistilleryLinkwoodCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.9%50.5%
Age12 yr9 yr
Price£82.95£65.75
Rating5.00/5

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner50/100
Value60/100

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 303408 & 303410) - Dalgety (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 303408 & 303410) - Dalgety (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 303408 & 303410) - Dalgety (Hannah Whisky Merchants) is better value at £66 vs £83.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£82.95 vs £65.75)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 303408 & 303410) - Dalgety (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£65.75 vs £82.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 303408 & 303410) - Dalgety (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

Fresh Fruit

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanilla

Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (cask 303408 & 303410) - Dalgety (Hannah Whisky Merchants)

SmokeyMedicinalOld WoodOily

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