Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
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)
Caol Ila
£299

Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Rosebank
★ 5.00
£399
| Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 59.1% | 43% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Quick verdict
Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 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 18 Year Old 1995 (cask 53.198) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Only Rosebank 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna