Kilchoman 11 Year Old 2012 - Founders Cask Release vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Kilchoman 11 Year Old 2012 - Founders Cask ReleaseCaol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryKilchomanCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.8%57.4%
Age11 yr30 yr
Price£119.9£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Kilchoman 11 Year Old 2012 - Founders Cask Release

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Kilchoman 11 Year Old 2012 - Founders Cask Release

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).

Kilchoman 11 Year Old 2012 - Founders Cask Release is better value at £120 vs £140.

For beginners: Kilchoman 11 Year Old 2012 - Founders Cask Release is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Kilchoman 11 Year Old 2012 - Founders Cask Release

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£119.9 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £119.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Kilchoman?

Kilchoman 11 Year Old 2012 - Founders Cask Release 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

SmokeyOld WoodLeathery

Only Kilchoman 11 Year Old 2012 - Founders Cask Release

Dried FruitChocolate

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

Medicinal

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