Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay WhiskyPittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryCaol IlaPittyvaich
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£500£350
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky

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

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner70/100
Value14/100

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is better value at £350 vs £500.

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

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£500 vs £350)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Pittyvaich 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 (£350 vs £500)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Pittyvaich?

Pittyvaich 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 Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #285 Islay Whisky

SmokeyKipperyMedicinalOld Wood

Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

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