Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) vs Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (Cask 321526) - The Single Cask

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (Cask 321526) - The Single Cask
DistillerySpringbankCaol Ila
RegionCampbeltownIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.3%52.8%
Age12 yr9 yr
Price£57.55£84.95
Rating5.00/5

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner50/100
Value87/100

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (Cask 321526) - The Single Cask

Smoke63/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (Cask 321526) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £85.

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 £84.95)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (Cask 321526) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£84.95 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 9 Year Old 2014 (Cask 321526) - The Single Cask 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

Oily

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

SherriedLeatheryTobaccoToasted

Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2014 (Cask 321526) - The Single Cask

SmokeyMedicinalRubbery

Explore more