Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Aberlour 18 Year Old
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
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Aberlour
★ 4.67
£141
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Aberlour 18 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Aberlour |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £140.75 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.67/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £141.
For beginners: Aberlour 18 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 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 £140.75)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£140.75 vs £139.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.7 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 Aberlour?
Aberlour 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Aberlour 18 Year Old