Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 309453) (Adelphi) vs Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 309453) (Adelphi)Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCaol IlaDeanston
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.9%53.4%
Age12 yr19 yr
Price£83.95£71.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 309453) (Adelphi)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner65/100
Value69/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 309453) (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £72 vs £84.

For beginners: Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 309453) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£83.95 vs £71.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£71.95 vs £83.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 309453) (Adelphi) 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 Deanston?

Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

Old Wood

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 309453) (Adelphi)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitKippery

Only Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanilla

Where to buy

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 309453) (Adelphi)

Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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