Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs J.J. Corry The Sonas

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

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)J.J. Corry The Sonas
DistilleryCaol IlaJ.J. Corry
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV45%50%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£100£62.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

J.J. Corry The Sonas

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner75/100
Value79/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

J.J. Corry The Sonas

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

J.J. Corry The Sonas is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

J.J. Corry The Sonas is better value at £63 vs £100.

For beginners: J.J. Corry The Sonas is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£100 vs £62.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

J.J. Corry The Sonas

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy J.J.?

J.J. Corry The Sonas 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

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeyFresh FruitOld WoodCooked FruitSherried

Only J.J. Corry The Sonas

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOily

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