Glen Moray 21 Year Old Portwood Finish - Elgin Heritage vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Glen Moray 21 Year Old Portwood Finish - Elgin HeritageCaol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryGlen MorayCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.3%57.4%
Age21 yr30 yr
Price£169.9£139.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glen Moray 21 Year Old Portwood Finish - Elgin Heritage

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner55/100
Value29/100

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

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

Glen Moray 21 Year Old Portwood Finish - Elgin Heritage

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 better value at £140 vs £170.

For beginners: Glen Moray 21 Year Old Portwood Finish - Elgin Heritage is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Glen Moray 21 Year Old Portwood Finish - Elgin Heritage

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£169.9 vs £139.95)
  • 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
  • +More affordable (£139.95 vs £169.9)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Moray 21 Year Old Portwood Finish - Elgin Heritage 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 Glen Moray 21 Year Old Portwood Finish - Elgin Heritage

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyToastedVanilla

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

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

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