Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
Ballantine's
£135
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 57.4% |
| Age | NAS | 30 yr |
| Price | £135 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £135 vs £140.
For beginners: Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£135 vs £139.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £135)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)