Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2012 (cask 12038) - Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish (Pintail) vs Henstone Single Malt Whisky

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)Henstone Single Malt Whisky
DistilleryCaol IlaHenstone
Region
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.9%43.8%
Age11 yrNAS
Price£79.86£52.24
Rating4.91/5

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

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

Henstone Single Malt Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner65/100
Value94/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Henstone Single Malt Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Henstone Single Malt Whisky is rated higher (4.91 vs 0.00).

Henstone Single Malt Whisky is better value at £52 vs £80.

For beginners: Henstone Single Malt Whisky is more approachable (65/100 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 £52.24)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.9)

Henstone Single Malt Whisky

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.9/5)
  • +More affordable (£52.24 vs £79.86)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • 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 Henstone?

Henstone Single Malt Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyHoneyCitricToastedSherried

Only Henstone Single Malt Whisky

Fresh FruitNuttyVanillaNew Wood

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