Caol Ila 1974 / 23 Year Old / First Cask #12470 Islay Whisky vs Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 1974 / 23 Year Old / First Cask #12470 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£600
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Springbank
★ 5.00
£399
| Caol Ila 1974 / 23 Year Old / First Cask #12470 Islay Whisky | Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Springbank |
| Region | — | Campbeltown |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 54.7% |
| Age | NAS | 9 yr |
| Price | £600 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 1974 / 23 Year Old / First Cask #12470 Islay Whisky
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Caol Ila 1974 / 23 Year Old / First Cask #12470 Islay Whisky
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Quick verdict
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is better value at £399 vs £600.
For beginners: Caol Ila 1974 / 23 Year Old / First Cask #12470 Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 1974 / 23 Year Old / First Cask #12470 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£600 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £600)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 1974 / 23 Year Old / First Cask #12470 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 Springbank?
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo 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
Only Caol Ila 1974 / 23 Year Old / First Cask #12470 Islay Whisky
Only Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo