Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Arbikie
£112
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Arbikie |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 57.4% | 58.3% |
| Age | 30 yr | NAS |
| Price | £139.95 | £111.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is better value at £112 vs £140.
For beginners: Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
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 £111.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£111.95 vs £139.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Arbikie?
Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Arbikie 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 69) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)