Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2011 - Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary (Hunter Laing) 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 2011 - Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)Deanston 19 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCaol IlaDeanston
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%53.4%
Age12 yr19 yr
Price£105.95£71.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2011 - Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2011 - Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)

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 £106.

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2011 - Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£105.95 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 £105.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2011 - Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary (Hunter 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 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 2011 - Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)

SherriedDried FruitSmokeyLeathery

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

Malt ExtractHoneyVanilla

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