Caol Ila 12 Year Old vs Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

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

Caol Ila 12 Year OldScallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023
DistilleryCaol IlaScallywag
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV43%48%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£53.9£56.25
Rating4.25/55.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner60/100
Value79/100

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value89/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.25).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old is better value at £54 vs £56.

For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£53.9 vs £56.25)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£56.25 vs £53.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 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 Scallywag?

Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023 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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyCooked MashToasted

Only Scallywag The Chocolate Edition 2023

ChocolateSherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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