Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory) vs Lower East Side Blended Malt
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
Caol Ila
£40
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Lower East Side
★ 5.00
£30
| Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory) | Lower East Side Blended Malt | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Lower East Side |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £39.55 | £29.9 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Quick verdict
Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £40.
For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£39.55 vs £29.9)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (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 Lower?
Lower East Side Blended Malt is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 1999 (Signatory)
Only Lower East Side Blended Malt