Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) vs WhistlePig 15 Year Old
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
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
WhistlePig
★ 5.00
£230
| Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) | WhistlePig 15 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | WhistlePig |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Rye |
| ABV | 59.3% | 46% |
| Age | 14 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £199 | £229.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) is better value at £199 vs £230.
For beginners: WhistlePig 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £229.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.3%) — may need water
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Pros
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 14 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£229.99 vs £199)
- −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 WhistlePig?
WhistlePig 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Only WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Where to buy
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange