Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Invergordon
£120
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Invergordon | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.2% | 57.4% |
| Age | 31 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £119.95 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
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).
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) is better value at £120 vs £140.
For beginners: Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£119.95 vs £139.95)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 30 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
- −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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £119.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Invergordon?
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) 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 Invergordon 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 16794) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)