Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman vs Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)

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

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS TaymanCaol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryLinkwoodCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%46%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£49.95£44.95
Rating5.00/5

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) is better value at £45 vs £50.

For beginners: Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £44.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£44.95 vs £49.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedHoney

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

ChocolateDried FruitToasted

Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1991 (Murray McDavid)

SmokeyCooked FruitMedicinal

Explore more