Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

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

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)
DistilleryCaol IlaSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.5%50.3%
Age8 yr12 yr
Price£81.75£57.55
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner50/100
Value87/100

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is better value at £58 vs £82.

For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£81.75 vs £57.55)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£57.55 vs £81.75)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) 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 Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release) 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

Both taste of

Oily

Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2015 (cask 318515) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 7 (2013 Release)

SherriedLeatheryTobaccoToasted

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