Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye
Sagamore Spirit
★ 5.00
£74

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£122
| Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye | Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Sagamore Spirit | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Rye | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.3% | 45% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £73.75 | £122.3 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye is better value at £74 vs £122.
For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£73.75 vs £122.3)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£122.3 vs £73.75)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Sagamore?
Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Only Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)