Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 4.00
£98
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£83
| Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.4% | 54.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £97.55 | £82.95 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is better value at £83 vs £98.
For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£97.55 vs £82.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£82.95 vs £97.55)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish 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 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old 2003 - Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish