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)
Edradour
★ 5.00
£141

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Edradour | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.5% | 57.4% |
| Age | 17 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £140.71 | £139.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
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
Only Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)