Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£199
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£199
| Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) | Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.3% | 40% |
| Age | 14 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Quick verdict
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is better value at £199 vs £199.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.3%) — may need water
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) 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 Glenfiddich?
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve 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 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve