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)
Caol Ila
£650

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Rosebank
★ 5.00
£399
| Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 43% |
| Age | 16 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £650 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1972 - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
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)
Only Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna