Bimber Fino Sherry Cask - Fortnum and Mason Exclusive, 70cl vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Bimber Fino Sherry Cask - Fortnum and Mason Exclusive, 70clCaol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBimberCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%57.4%
AgeNAS30 yr
Price£147.99£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Bimber Fino Sherry Cask - Fortnum and Mason Exclusive, 70cl

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

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

Bimber Fino Sherry Cask - Fortnum and Mason Exclusive, 70cl

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 £148.

For beginners: Bimber Fino Sherry Cask - Fortnum and Mason Exclusive, 70cl is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Bimber Fino Sherry Cask - Fortnum and Mason Exclusive, 70cl

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£147.99 vs £139.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £147.99)

Cons

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

Who should buy Bimber?

Bimber Fino Sherry Cask - Fortnum and Mason Exclusive, 70cl suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

Only Bimber Fino Sherry Cask - Fortnum and Mason Exclusive, 70cl

SherriedHoneyNuttyVanillaToasted

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

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

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