Caol Ila 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

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

Caol Ila 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
DistilleryCaol IlaLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.8%54.9%
Age13 yr12 yr
Price£69.95£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner50/100
Value60/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £70 vs £83.

For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£69.95 vs £82.95)
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£82.95 vs £69.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) 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

Fresh Fruit

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyNew WoodOily

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanilla

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