Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)
Tomatin
£125
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tomatin | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.3% | 57.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £124.95 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)
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).
Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) is better value at £125 vs £140.
For beginners: Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +More affordable (£124.95 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 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £124.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Tomatin?
Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)