Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2009 - Edition No.66 (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) vs Rock Island 21 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2009 - Edition No.66 (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)Rock Island 21 Year Old
DistilleryCaol IlaRock Island
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.3%46.8%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£118.22£99.62
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2009 - Edition No.66 (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Rock Island 21 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value50/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2009 - Edition No.66 (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rock Island 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rock Island 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Rock Island 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £118.

For beginners: Rock Island 21 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2009 - Edition No.66 (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£118.22 vs £99.62)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Rock Island 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2009 - Edition No.66 (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) 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 Rock?

Rock Island 21 Year Old 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeySherriedOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2009 - Edition No.66 (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Leathery

Only Rock Island 21 Year Old

Dried FruitHoney

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