Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan) vs Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

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

Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman
DistilleryCaol IlaLinkwood
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.1%46%
Age9 yr12 yr
Price£74.9£49.95
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

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is better value at £50 vs £75.

For beginners: Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£74.9 vs £49.95)

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£49.95 vs £74.9)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • 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 Linkwood?

Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman 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 9 Year Old 2012 - Inverdarach Potstill Editions - No. 03 Tri (Ardgowan)

SmokeyKipperyOilyMedicinalMalt Extract

Only Linkwood 12 Year Old 2007 - DS Tayman

SherriedHoneyChocolateDried FruitToasted

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