Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
DistilleryCaol IlaSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.1%50.3%
Age11 yr12 yr
Price£93.56£57.55
Rating4.86/55.00/5

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value52/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner50/100
Value87/100

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.86).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is better value at £58 vs £94.

For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£93.56 vs £57.55)
  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£57.55 vs £93.56)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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 Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) 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

OilyLeathery

Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 15555) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

SherriedTobaccoToasted

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