Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask FinishCaol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryTomintoulCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%57.4%
Age17 yr30 yr
Price£132£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value36/100

Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish is better value at £132 vs £140.

For beginners: Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish

Pros

  • +More affordable (£132 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £132)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Tomintoul?

Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish 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 Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish

SherriedDried FruitHoneyNuttyToasted

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

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