Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
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
Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Ardbeg
£150
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ardbeg |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 47.7% |
| Age | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £149.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
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 £150.
For beginners: Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (40/100 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 £149.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£149.95 vs £139.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Ardbeg 12 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)