Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
★ 4.57
£50
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£58
| Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) | 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 | 43% | 50.3% |
| Age | 13 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £50 | £57.55 |
| Rating | 4.57/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Quick verdict
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £50 vs £58.
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
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£50 vs £57.55)
- +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£57.55 vs £50)
- −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 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 - Discovery (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)