Tomatin 30 Year Old vs Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Tomatin 30 Year Old
Tomatin
★ 5.00
£585
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£500
| Tomatin 30 Year Old | Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tomatin | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 30 yr | NAS |
| Price | £585 | £500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Tomatin 30 Year Old
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Tomatin 30 Year Old
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Quick verdict
Tomatin 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky is better value at £500 vs £585.
For beginners: Tomatin 30 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Tomatin 30 Year Old
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 (£585 vs £500)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£500 vs £585)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Tomatin?
Tomatin 30 Year Old 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 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Tomatin 30 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky