GlenAllachie 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 901042) - Single Cask vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

GlenAllachie 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 901042) - Single CaskCaol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryGlenAllachieCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV63%57.4%
Age15 yr30 yr
Price£110.33£139.95
Rating5.00/5

GlenAllachie 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 901042) - Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

GlenAllachie 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 901042) - Single Cask

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).

GlenAllachie 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 901042) - Single Cask is better value at £110 vs £140.

For beginners: GlenAllachie 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 901042) - Single Cask is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

GlenAllachie 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 901042) - Single Cask

Pros

  • +More affordable (£110.33 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (63%) — may need water
  • 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 15 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £110.33)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy GlenAllachie?

GlenAllachie 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 901042) - Single Cask 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.

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

Old Wood

Only GlenAllachie 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 901042) - Single Cask

SherriedChocolateDried FruitNutty

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Explore more