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)Famous Grouse Highland Decanter
DistilleryCaol IlaFamous Grouse
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV56.1%40%
Age9 yrNAS
Price£74.9£99.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

Smoke67/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner30/100
Value67/100

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value50/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Malt Extract

Only Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

SmokeyKipperyOilyMedicinal

Only Famous Grouse Highland Decanter

VanillaHoneyToasted

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