Johnnie Walker Premier vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

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

Johnnie Walker PremierCaol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017
DistilleryJohnnie WalkerCaol Ila
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%55.8%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£199£199
Rating5.00/5

Johnnie Walker Premier

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Johnnie Walker Premier

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Johnnie Walker Premier is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017 is better value at £199 vs £199.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Premier is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Johnnie Walker Premier

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (55.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Premier suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Johnnie Walker Premier

Old WoodChocolateTobacco

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Where to buy

Johnnie Walker Premier

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

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