Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish
DistilleryCaol IlaDarkness
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.4%61.3%
Age10 yr8 yr
Price£65.9£71.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner30/100
Value69/100

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £66 vs £72.

For beginners: Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£65.9 vs £71.95)
  • +Longer maturation (10 vs 8 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (61.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£71.95 vs £65.9)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - 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 Darkness!?

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old 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

SmokeyDried Fruit

Only Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

MedicinalOilyCitric

Only Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

SherriedChocolate

Where to buy

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2012 (cask 16893) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Darkness! Broadbay 8 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

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