Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2020 Edition) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2020 Edition)Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryShinshuCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%57.4%
AgeNAS30 yr
Price£131.22£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2020 Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

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

Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2020 Edition)

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).

Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2020 Edition) is better value at £131 vs £140.

For beginners: Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2020 Edition) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2020 Edition)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£131.22 vs £139.95)

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £131.22)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Mars?

Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2020 Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Mars Komagatake Single Malt (2020 Edition)

NuttyHoneyVanillaToastedSherried

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

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

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