Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory) vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory) | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £39.55 | £34.3 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
The Big Smoke 46
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £40.
For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£39.55 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£34.3 vs £39.55)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy The?
The Big Smoke 46 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The Big Smoke 46
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange