Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Ord
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.3%43%
Age17 yr12 yr
Price£164.76£99.99
Rating4.57/5

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value46/100

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s is rated higher (4.57 vs 0.00).

Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s is better value at £100 vs £165.

For beginners: Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£164.76 vs £99.99)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.6)

Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
  • +More affordable (£99.99 vs £164.76)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 2006 (cask 306193) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedSmokeyVanillaDried FruitOld Wood

Only Glen Ord 12 Year Old - 2000s

Malt ExtractHoneyNuttyToastedFresh Fruit

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