Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryCaol IlaRosebank
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
Age16 yr12 yr
Price£650£399
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner70/100
Value13/100

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is better value at £399 vs £650.

For beginners: Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£650 vs £399)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £650)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Rosebank?

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeatheryOily

Only Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Fresh FruitFragantHoneyVegetative

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