Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Caol Ila
£174
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
Benromach
★ 5.00
£226
| Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Benromach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 43% |
| Age | 13 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £173.74 | £225.54 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
Quick verdict
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £174 vs £226.
For beginners: Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£173.74 vs £225.54)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£225.54 vs £173.74)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Benromach?
Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Benromach 30 Year Old - 2000s