Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask
Edradour
£110
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Edradour | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.4% | 57.4% |
| Age | 14 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £110 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask
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).
Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask is better value at £110 vs £140.
For beginners: Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£110 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 14 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £110)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ballechin?
Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask 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.
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
Both taste of
Only Ballechin 14 Year Old 2004 (cask 4) - Straight From The Cask
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)