Tobermory 19 Year Old 1999 - Marsala Cask Finish vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Tobermory 19 Year Old 1999 - Marsala Cask FinishCaol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryTobermoryCaol Ila
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.7%57.4%
Age12 yr30 yr
Price£140£139.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Tobermory 19 Year Old 1999 - Marsala Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value36/100

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

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

Tobermory 19 Year Old 1999 - Marsala Cask Finish

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 better value at £140 vs £140.

For beginners: Tobermory 19 Year Old 1999 - Marsala Cask Finish is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Tobermory 19 Year Old 1999 - Marsala Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (55.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£140 vs £139.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£139.95 vs £140)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Tobermory?

Tobermory 19 Year Old 1999 - Marsala Cask Finish 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 Tobermory 19 Year Old 1999 - Marsala Cask Finish

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyVanillaToasted

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

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Explore more