Longmorn 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 8618) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Longmorn 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 8618) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryLongmornCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.2%57.4%
Age26 yr30 yr
Price£102.66£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Longmorn 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 8618) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Longmorn 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 8618) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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 0.00).

Longmorn 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 8618) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £103 vs £140.

For beginners: Longmorn 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 8618) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Longmorn 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 8618) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£102.66 vs £139.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — 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)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 26 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £102.66)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Longmorn?

Longmorn 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 8618) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

Old Wood

Only Longmorn 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 8618) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

VanillaHoneyToastedMalt Extract

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

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