Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2013 - 100 Proof Edition #65 (Signatory)

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

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2013 - 100 Proof Edition #65 (Signatory)
DistilleryBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)Caol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%57.1%
Age9 yr12 yr
Price£49.95£48.95
Rating5.00/5

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2013 - 100 Proof Edition #65 (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2013 - 100 Proof Edition #65 (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2013 - 100 Proof Edition #65 (Signatory) is better value at £49 vs £50.

For beginners: Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £48.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2013 - 100 Proof Edition #65 (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£48.95 vs £49.95)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Braeval?

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2013 - 100 Proof Edition #65 (Signatory) 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

SherriedOily

Only Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Dried FruitChocolateHoney

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2013 - 100 Proof Edition #65 (Signatory)

SmokeyToastedOld Wood

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