Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan) vs Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£75

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Famous Grouse
★ 5.00
£100
| Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan) | Famous Grouse Highland Decanter | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Famous Grouse |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 56.1% | 40% |
| Age | 9 yr | NAS |
| Price | £74.9 | £99.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan) is better value at £75 vs £100.
For beginners: Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£74.9 vs £99.99)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£99.99 vs £74.9)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan) 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 Famous?
Famous Grouse Highland Decanter is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)
Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter