Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) vs Jameson 4.5L
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) | Jameson 4.5L | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Jameson |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 59.3% | 40% |
| Age | 14 yr | NAS |
| Price | £199 | £169.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Jameson 4.5L
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Jameson 4.5L
Quick verdict
Jameson 4.5L is better value at £170 vs £199.
For beginners: Jameson 4.5L is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£199 vs £169.5)
Jameson 4.5L
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£169.5 vs £199)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
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 Jameson?
Jameson 4.5L suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Only Jameson 4.5L