Caol Ila 2013 / 9 Year Old / The Whisky Show 2022 Islay Whisky vs Cotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018

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

Caol Ila 2013 / 9 Year Old / The Whisky Show 2022 Islay WhiskyCotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018
DistilleryCaol IlaCotswolds
Region
CountryUnited KingdomEngland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%60.9%
AgeNASNAS
Price£99.95£64.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 2013 / 9 Year Old / The Whisky Show 2022 Islay Whisky

Smoke63/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Cotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner40/100
Value77/100

Caol Ila 2013 / 9 Year Old / The Whisky Show 2022 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Cotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018 is better value at £65 vs £100.

For beginners: Caol Ila 2013 / 9 Year Old / The Whisky Show 2022 Islay Whisky is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 2013 / 9 Year Old / The Whisky Show 2022 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£99.95 vs £64.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Cotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£64.95 vs £99.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (60.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 2013 / 9 Year Old / The Whisky Show 2022 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Cotswolds?

Cotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018 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

Toasted

Only Caol Ila 2013 / 9 Year Old / The Whisky Show 2022 Islay Whisky

SmokeyCoal-gasCitricTobaccoDried Fruit

Only Cotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018

Fresh FruitVanillaHoneyMalt Extract

Where to buy

Caol Ila 2013 / 9 Year Old / The Whisky Show 2022 Islay Whisky

Cotswolds Founder's Choice Whisky 2018

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