Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L
Aberlour
£120
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 57.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £120 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L is better value at £120 vs £140.
For beginners: Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£120 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £120)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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
Only Aberlour 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 1L
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)