Caol Ila 19 Year Old 1999 (Master of Malt) vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

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

Caol Ila 19 Year Old 1999 (Master of Malt)Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
DistilleryCaol IlaGlenfiddich
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%40%
Age19 yr12 yr
Price£199.95£199
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 19 Year Old 1999 (Master of Malt)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Caol Ila 19 Year Old 1999 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is better value at £199 vs £200.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 19 Year Old 1999 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199.95 vs £199)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £199.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 19 Year Old 1999 (Master of Malt) 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.

Who should buy Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 19 Year Old 1999 (Master of Malt)

SmokeyOilyKipperyOld WoodLeathery

Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNew Wood

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