Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Ardbeg
★ 4.00
£123
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) | 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 | 50% | 57.4% |
| Age | 18 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £122.95 | £139.95 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (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).
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is better value at £123 vs £140.
For beginners: Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£122.95 vs £139.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £122.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)