Caol Ila 12 Year Old Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 12 Year Old Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila
£6

Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Pulteney
★ 4.11
£4
| Caol Ila 12 Year Old Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Pulteney |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £5.75 | £4.32 |
| Rating | — | 4.11/5 |
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Quick verdict
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (4.11 vs 0.00).
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £4 vs £6.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£5.75 vs £4.32)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.1)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.1/5)
- +More affordable (£4.32 vs £5.75)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy Old?
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old Sample Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Only Old Pulteney 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)