Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland) vs Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Caol Ila
£65

Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Smögen
★ 5.00
£88
| Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland) | Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Smögen |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Sweden |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 61.1% |
| Age | 11 yr | 4 yr |
| Price | £64.95 | £88.05 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Quick verdict
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland) is better value at £65 vs £88.
For beginners: Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£64.95 vs £88.05)
- +Longer maturation (11 vs 4 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (61.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£88.05 vs £64.95)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Smögen?
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter 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
Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Only Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Where to buy
Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (Parcel No.11) - Reserve Casks (The Single Malts of Scotland)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange