Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£83
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£58
| Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.3% | 50.3% |
| Age | 13 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £82.95 | £57.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is better value at £58 vs £83.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£82.95 vs £57.55)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£57.55 vs £82.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) 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
Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 321158) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)