Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 12038) - Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish (Pintail) vs Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 12038) - Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish (Pintail)Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
DistilleryCaol IlaCraigellachie
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.9%51%
Age11 yr12 yr
Price£79.86£72.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 12038) - Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish (Pintail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness44/100
Beginner50/100
Value69/100

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 12038) - Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish (Pintail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is better value at £73 vs £80.

For beginners: Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 12038) - Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish (Pintail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£79.86 vs £72.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£72.95 vs £79.86)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 12038) - Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish (Pintail) 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 Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) 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

ToastedSherried

Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 12038) - Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish (Pintail)

SmokeyHoneyCitric

Only Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Dried FruitCooked FruitNutty

Explore more