Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2011 (cask 316480) - James Eadie (Drinks by the Dram Exclusive) vs Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2011 (cask 316480) - James Eadie (Drinks by the Dram Exclusive)
Caol Ila
★ 4.00
£56
Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
Craigellachie
★ 5.00
£73
| Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2011 (cask 316480) - James Eadie (Drinks by the Dram Exclusive) | Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Craigellachie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.6% | 51% |
| Age | 9 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £55.74 | £72.95 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2011 (cask 316480) - James Eadie (Drinks by the Dram Exclusive)
Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2011 (cask 316480) - James Eadie (Drinks by the Dram Exclusive)
Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
Quick verdict
Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2011 (cask 316480) - James Eadie (Drinks by the Dram Exclusive) is better value at £56 vs £73.
For beginners: Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2011 (cask 316480) - James Eadie (Drinks by the Dram Exclusive)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£55.74 vs £72.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.6%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£72.95 vs £55.74)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2011 (cask 316480) - James Eadie (Drinks by the Dram Exclusive) 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 Craigellachie?
Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics) 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 9 Year Old 2011 (cask 316480) - James Eadie (Drinks by the Dram Exclusive)
Only Craigellachie 12 Year Old 2007 (cask 900777) - The Disciples (Heroes & Heretics)