Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Barton Brands
★ 5.00
£180
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£218
| Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s | Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Barton Brands | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 59.4% |
| Age | NAS | 30 yr |
| Price | £180 | £217.8 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is better value at £180 vs £218.
For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£180 vs £217.8)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£217.8 vs £180)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Barton's?
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing) 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 Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)