Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 4036556) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 4036556) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Caol Ila
£201
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£199
| Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 4036556) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.9% | 40% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £201.17 | £199 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 4036556) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 4036556) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
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 £201.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 4036556) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£201.17 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 £201.17)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 4036556) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 4036556) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve