Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Benrinnes
★ 5.00
£117
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benrinnes | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 57.4% |
| Age | 24 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £117.35 | £139.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £117 vs £140.
For beginners: Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£117.35 vs £139.95)
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 24 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £117.35)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Benrinnes?
Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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
Only Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)