Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

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

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus
DistilleryCaol IlaHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.1%55%
Age18 yr12 yr
Price£299£299
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value17/100

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is better value at £299 vs £299.

For beginners: Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 Highland?

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyToasted

Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

MedicinalKipperyLeathery

Only Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

HoneyMalt Extract

Where to buy

Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Highland Park 12 Year Old - Saint Magnus

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