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 Edition
Rock Island
★ 5.00
£50

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£75
| Rock Island Sherry Edition | Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Rock Island | Caol Ila |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.8% | 56.1% |
| Age | NAS | 9 yr |
| Price | £50 | £74.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Rock Island Sherry Edition
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
Rock Island Sherry Edition
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
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
Only Rock Island Sherry Edition
Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
Where to buy
Rock Island Sherry Edition
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange