Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Tullibardine
★ 5.00
£130
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tullibardine | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.9% | 57.4% |
| Age | 25 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £130.35 | £139.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £130 vs £140.
For beginners: Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£130.35 vs £139.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £130.35)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Tullibardine?
Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
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 Tullibardine 25 Year Old 1990 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)