Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 374) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 374) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryHighland ParkCaol Ila
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.4%
Age28 yr30 yr
Price£179.23£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 374) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 374) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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).

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £179.

For beginners: Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 374) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 374) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£179.23 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 £179.23)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 374) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

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

SmokeyMedicinalOld WoodLeathery

Only Highland Park 28 Year Old 1985 (cask 374) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Sherried

Explore more