Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter Laing) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)
Aberlour
★ 5.00
£105
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter Laing) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.3% | 57.4% |
| Age | 25 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £105.19 | £139.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter Laing) is better value at £105 vs £140.
For beginners: Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£105.19 vs £139.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £105.19)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter 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.
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 Aberlour 25 Year Old 1988 - Old Malt Cask 15th Anniversary (Hunter Laing)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)