Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2015 (cask 20720) Ruby Port Finish - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2015 (cask 20720) Ruby Port Finish - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
DistilleryCaol IlaLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.4%54.9%
Age10 yr12 yr
Price£70.95£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2015 (cask 20720) Ruby Port Finish - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner50/100
Value60/100

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2015 (cask 20720) Ruby Port Finish - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2015 (cask 20720) Ruby Port Finish - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £71 vs £83.

For beginners: Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2015 (cask 20720) Ruby Port Finish - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2015 (cask 20720) Ruby Port Finish - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£70.95 vs £82.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£82.95 vs £70.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2015 (cask 20720) Ruby Port Finish - 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) 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

Only Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2015 (cask 20720) Ruby Port Finish - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyCooked FruitSherriedOily

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanillaFresh Fruit

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