Aberlour 23 Year Old September 1992 - Single Cask (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.

Aberlour 23 Year Old September 1992 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryAberlourCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53%57.4%
Age23 yr30 yr
Price£127.95£139.95
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Aberlour 23 Year Old September 1992 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value31/100

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value36/100

Aberlour 23 Year Old September 1992 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Aberlour 23 Year Old September 1992 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £128 vs £140.

For beginners: Aberlour 23 Year Old September 1992 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Aberlour 23 Year Old September 1992 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£127.95 vs £139.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 23 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £127.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Aberlour?

Aberlour 23 Year Old September 1992 - 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.

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 23 Year Old September 1992 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

VanillaHoneySherriedToastedNutty

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

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