Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Caol Ila
£499

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£399
| Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 | Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Laphroaig |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58% | 48.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £499 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is better value at £399 vs £499.
For beginners: Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£499 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 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 Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)