Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Caol Ila
£199
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Brackla
★ 5.00
£220
| Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | Royal Brackla 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Brackla |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £199 | £219.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Quick verdict
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £199 vs £220.
For beginners: Royal Brackla 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £219.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£219.99 vs £199)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 Royal?
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Only Royal Brackla 21 Year Old