Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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

Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Glen Grant
£186
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glen Grant |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 56.1% |
| Age | 30 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £185.62 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £186.
For beginners: Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 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 £185.62)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£185.62 vs £139.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Glen?
Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Glen Grant 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 11180) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)