Braes Of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10350) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Braes Of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10350) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
★ 4.00
£160
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Braes Of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10350) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet) | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 60.3% | 57.4% |
| Age | 25 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £159.95 | £139.95 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Braes Of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10350) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Braes Of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10350) - Directors' Cut (Douglas 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 4.00).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £160.
For beginners: Braes Of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10350) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Braes Of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10350) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (60.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£159.95 vs £139.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 £159.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Braes?
Braes Of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10350) - Directors' Cut (Douglas 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 Braes Of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10350) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)