Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

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

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
DistilleryCaol IlaLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%46%
Age13 yr12 yr
Price£50£49.95
Rating4.57/55.00/5

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner65/100
Value91/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is better value at £50 vs £50.

For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£50 vs £49.95)
  • Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £50)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman 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 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyKipperyOilyFresh FruitCoal-gas

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SherriedHoneyChocolateDried FruitToasted

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