Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
DistilleryDouglas LaingPittyvaich
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.8%43%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£317.77£350
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

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

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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).

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £318 vs £350.

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

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£317.77 vs £350)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 vs £317.77)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 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 28 Year Old 1990 (cask 12536) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryMedicinalDried Fruit

Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

ToastedVanillaHoneyMalt ExtractNutty

Explore more