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 RyeCaol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistillerySagamore SpiritCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeSingle Malt
ABV48.3%45%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£73.75£122.3
Rating5.00/5

Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner60/100
Value68/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Sagamore Spirit Double Oak Rye

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

ToastedVanillaCooked FruitNew Wood

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (batch 23/044) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyCitricDried FruitHoneyLeathery

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