Royal Brackla 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Brackla
★ 5.00
£220
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Caol Ila
£199
| Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brackla | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 59% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £219.99 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £199 vs £220.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£219.99 vs £199)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £219.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Royal?
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)