Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryEdradourCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.5%57.4%
Age17 yr30 yr
Price£140.71£139.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner25/100
Value36/100

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

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

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

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 better value at £140 vs £141.

For beginners: Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£140.71 vs £139.95)

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£139.95 vs £140.71)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Ballechin?

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

SherriedNuttyToastedDried Fruit

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

LeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

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