Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Cardhu 14 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
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
Cardhu 14 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Cardhu
★ 5.00
£150
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Cardhu 14 Year Old (Special Release 2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Cardhu |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 55.5% |
| Age | 30 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Cardhu 14 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Cardhu 14 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £150.
For beginners: Cardhu 14 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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
- +More affordable (£139.95 vs £150)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 14 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Cardhu 14 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£150 vs £139.95)
- −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 Cardhu?
Cardhu 14 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Cardhu 14 Year Old (Special Release 2021)