Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 - 100 Proof Edition #42 (Signatory)

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

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 - 100 Proof Edition #42 (Signatory)
DistilleryBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)Caol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%57.1%
Age9 yr9 yr
Price£49.95£47.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner55/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 - 100 Proof Edition #42 (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner30/100
Value83/100

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 - 100 Proof Edition #42 (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 - 100 Proof Edition #42 (Signatory) is better value at £48 vs £50.

For beginners: Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £47.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 - 100 Proof Edition #42 (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£47.95 vs £49.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Braeval?

Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 - 100 Proof Edition #42 (Signatory) 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

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Braeval 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

ChocolateHoneyOily

Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2015 - 100 Proof Edition #42 (Signatory)

SmokeyLeathery

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