Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) vs Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2000 - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

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 2000 - Provenance (Douglas Laing)
DistillerySpringbankCaol Ila
RegionCampbeltownIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.3%46%
Age12 yr9 yr
Price£57.55£45.82
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 2000 - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2000 - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2000 - Provenance (Douglas Laing) is better value at £46 vs £58.

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)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£57.55 vs £45.82)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2000 - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£45.82 vs £57.55)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 2000 - Provenance (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Oily

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

SherriedLeatheryTobaccoToasted

Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2000 - Provenance (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyMedicinalKippery

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