Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky vs Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications.

AvailabilityIn stockIn stock
Best current price£54.99£54.99
Current stockists1 merchant1 merchant
ProducerCaol Ila DistilleryDalwhinnie
TypeSingle Malt WhiskySingle Malt Whisky
Size700ml700ml
Where to buy

Caol Ila 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Caol Ila 12 Year Old is the ultimate Islay single malt whisky and the perfect entry point into the world of peaty malts. Fresh, sweetly fruity, and smooth-bodied with a delicate balance of tastes, this pale straw-coloured whisky is considered by experts to be a reference for connoisseurs of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky the world over. Aged for 12 years, it offers a complex yet approachable character that showcases the best of Islay's distinctive style. Why You'll Love It This is Islay whisky at its most accessible and refined. Caol Ila 12 Year Old strikes a perfect balance between fresh, citric fruitiness and gentle peat smoke, making it ideal for both newcomers to peated whisky and seasoned enthusiasts. The distillery, nestled in a hidden cove near Port Askaig on the shores of the Sound of Islay, has been crafting exceptional whisky since 1846. This expression has won numerous awards including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, cementing its status as a benchmark Islay malt. Distillery & Production Produced at Caol Ila Distillery on Islay, founded in 1846 and situated on the shores of the Sound of Islay. The distillery uses clean water from Loch Nam Ban and traditional copper pot stills. The whisky is aged for 12 years in oak casks, creating a smooth, complex spirit with the distinctive Islay maritime character and gentle peat smoke. Tasting Notes Pale straw colour. The nose is subdued with citric fruitiness, a whiff of bath oil and dentist's mouthwash, fresh and appetising with little trace of smoke. With water, almond oil, old fashioned oilskins, fresh fruitiness, and a trace of olive oil emerge. The palate drinks well at natural strength with a sweet start, pleasant light fragrant smokiness, and a lengthy finish. Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel with light acidity, some salt, and sweeter notes. The finish offers sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish. Perfect Serve Best enjoyed neat in a rocks glass, adding ice or a splash

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is a smooth, aromatic Highland whisky known for its honeyed sweetness, gentle smoke and elegant floral character. Produced at one of Scotland’s highest and coldest distilleries, nestled in the Cairngorms, Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old offers a refined introduction to single malt Scotch. Its unique location contributes to the whisky’s crisp, clean profile, while maturation in ex-bourbon American oak casks over 15 years allows its flavours to develop with balance and depth. On the nose, it opens with heather honey, vanilla and soft floral notes, complemented by a touch of spice and citrus. The palate is light and smooth, revealing sweet malt, orchard fruits and a hint of peat smoke. There’s a subtle almond and toffee richness that adds body, while the texture remains silky and approachable. The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of gentle smoke, honey and spice that fade gracefully. Bottled at 43% ABV, Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old is part of Diageo’s Classic Malts range and is often recommended as a gateway whisky for those new to Scotch. It’s best enjoyed neat or with a splash of spring water to unlock its delicate layers.

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