Rock Island Sherry Edition vs Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

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

Rock Island Sherry EditionCaol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
DistilleryRock IslandCaol Ila
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.8%56.1%
AgeNAS9 yr
Price£50£74.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner30/100
Value67/100

Rock Island Sherry Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island Sherry Edition is better value at £50 vs £75.

For beginners: Rock Island Sherry Edition is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£50 vs £74.9)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£74.9 vs £50)

Who should buy Rock?

Rock Island Sherry Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Rock Island Sherry Edition

SherriedDried FruitSandyNutty

Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

KipperyOilyMedicinalMalt Extract

Where to buy

Rock Island Sherry Edition

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

Explore more