Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Bladnoch 17 Year Old - California Red Wine Cask Finish
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
Bladnoch 17 Year Old - California Red Wine Cask Finish
Bladnoch
★ 4.50
£150
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Bladnoch 17 Year Old - California Red Wine Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bladnoch |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 46.7% |
| Age | 30 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bladnoch 17 Year Old - California Red Wine Cask Finish
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bladnoch 17 Year Old - California Red Wine Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £150.
For beginners: Bladnoch 17 Year Old - California Red Wine Cask Finish is more approachable (55/100 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 affordable (£139.95 vs £150)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bladnoch 17 Year Old - California Red Wine Cask Finish
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£150 vs £139.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.5 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 Bladnoch?
Bladnoch 17 Year Old - California Red Wine Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Bladnoch 17 Year Old - California Red Wine Cask Finish