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)Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter
DistilleryCaol IlaSmögen
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandSweden
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%61.1%
Age11 yr4 yr
Price£64.95£88.05
Rating5.00/5

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

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner30/100
Value57/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Smokey

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

OilyMedicinal

Only Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter

ToastedFresh FruitNew WoodVanilla

Where to buy

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

Smögen 4 Year Old French Quarter

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