Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

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

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)
DistilleryCaol IlaLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV61.1%54.9%
Age20 yr12 yr
Price£124.8£82.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner50/100
Value60/100

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is better value at £83 vs £125.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (61.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£124.8 vs £82.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£82.95 vs £124.8)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl) 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky) 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

Only Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOld WoodOily

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2008 (cask 300865) - Folk (Fable Whisky)

Malt ExtractHoneyToastedVanillaFresh Fruit

Explore more