Clan Colla 11 Year Old 2009 - Oloroso & Peated Cask Finish vs Wardhead 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 9891) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

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

Clan Colla 11 Year Old 2009 - Oloroso & Peated Cask FinishWardhead 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 9891) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
DistilleryClan CollaThe Vintage Malt Whisky Company
Region
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV46%51.5%
Age11 yr23 yr
Price£79.52£129.95
Rating5.00/5

Clan Colla 11 Year Old 2009 - Oloroso & Peated Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner55/100
Value63/100

Wardhead 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 9891) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Clan Colla 11 Year Old 2009 - Oloroso & Peated Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Wardhead 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 9891) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Clan Colla 11 Year Old 2009 - Oloroso & Peated Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Clan Colla 11 Year Old 2009 - Oloroso & Peated Cask Finish is better value at £80 vs £130.

For beginners: Wardhead 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 9891) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Clan Colla 11 Year Old 2009 - Oloroso & Peated Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£79.52 vs £129.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Wardhead 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 9891) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 11 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£129.95 vs £79.52)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Clan?

Clan Colla 11 Year Old 2009 - Oloroso & Peated Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Wardhead?

Wardhead 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 9891) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedHoney

Only Clan Colla 11 Year Old 2009 - Oloroso & Peated Cask Finish

SmokeyToastedCooked Fruit

Only Wardhead 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 9891) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Dried FruitChocolate

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