Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Casks 310801 & 310806 (Signatory) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Casks 310801 & 310806 (Signatory)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
DistilleryCaol IlaLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%46%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£38.95£49.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Casks 310801 & 310806 (Signatory)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Casks 310801 & 310806 (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Casks 310801 & 310806 (Signatory) is better value at £39 vs £50.

For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Casks 310801 & 310806 (Signatory) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Casks 310801 & 310806 (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£38.95 vs £49.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £38.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Casks 310801 & 310806 (Signatory) 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 2007 - DS Tayman suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 Casks 310801 & 310806 (Signatory)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeatheryOld Wood

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SherriedHoneyChocolateDried FruitToasted

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