The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011 vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011
The Glenlivet
£120
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011 | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Glenlivet | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.4% |
| Age | 18 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £120 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011
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 0.00).
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011 is better value at £120 vs £140.
For beginners: The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£120 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £120)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 The Glenlivet 18 Year Old - Pre 2011
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)