Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007 (Master of Malt) vs Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

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

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007 (Master of Malt)Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
DistilleryCaol IlaCraigellachie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.6%51%
Age13 yr12 yr
Price£84.95£72.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007 (Master of Malt)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner55/100
Value59/100

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness44/100
Beginner50/100
Value69/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is better value at £73 vs £85.

For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£84.95 vs £72.95)

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£72.95 vs £84.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007 (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2007 (Master of Malt)

SmokeyHoneyOily

Only Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)

ToastedCooked FruitNutty

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