Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) vs Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£58
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Caol Ila
£82
| Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) | Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Caol Ila |
| Region | Campbeltown | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.3% | 52.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £57.55 | £81.75 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is better value at £58 vs £82.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£57.55 vs £81.75)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£81.75 vs £57.55)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) 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 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) 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 Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)