Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance SeriesCaol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBruichladdichCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60.4%57.4%
Age12 yr30 yr
Price£199.95£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value36/100

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £200.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (60.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199.95 vs £139.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£139.95 vs £199.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

Old WoodSmokey

Only Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series

Cooked FruitSherriedToasted

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

LeatheryMedicinal

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