Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

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

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryCraigellachieCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51%50%
Age12 yr17 yr
Price£72.95£74.35
Rating5.00/5

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness44/100
Beginner50/100
Value69/100

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is better value at £73 vs £74.

For beginners: Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£72.95 vs £74.35)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (51%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£74.35 vs £72.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) 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 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (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

Cooked Fruit

Only Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SherriedDried FruitToastedNutty

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1990 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyLeatheryOilyMedicinal

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