Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£90
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£58
| Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) | 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 | 55.5% | 50.3% |
| Age | 14 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £89.95 | £57.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
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 £90.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£89.95 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 £89.95)
- +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 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt) 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 14 Year Old 2008 (Master of Malt)
Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)