Ardbeg 14 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 14 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits
Ardbeg
£195
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Ardbeg 14 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 60.8% | 57.4% |
| Age | 14 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £194.95 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 14 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ardbeg 14 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits
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).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £195.
For beginners: Ardbeg 14 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 14 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (60.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£194.95 vs £139.95)
- −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)
- +More affordable (£139.95 vs £194.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 14 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits 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
Only Ardbeg 14 Year Old 2008 - North Star Spirits
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)