Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)

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

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970sCaol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)
DistilleryBarton BrandsCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%51.9%
AgeNAS30 yr
Price£180£146.52
Rating5.00/5

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value28/100

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands) is better value at £147 vs £180.

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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£180 vs £146.52)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£146.52 vs £180)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 (Celtic Heartlands) 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

Oily

Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

ToastedVanillaTobaccoHoney

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyDried Fruit

Where to buy

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)

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