Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Akkeshi 3 Year Old 2018 (cask 1004) - (Adelphi)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Akkeshi 3 Year Old 2018 (cask 1004) - (Adelphi)
DistilleryCaol IlaAkkeshi
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%57.7%
Age30 yr3 yr
Price£139.95£109.99
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value36/100

Akkeshi 3 Year Old 2018 (cask 1004) - (Adelphi)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Akkeshi 3 Year Old 2018 (cask 1004) - (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Akkeshi 3 Year Old 2018 (cask 1004) - (Adelphi) is better value at £110 vs £140.

For beginners: Akkeshi 3 Year Old 2018 (cask 1004) - (Adelphi) is more approachable (25/100 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)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 3 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £109.99)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Akkeshi 3 Year Old 2018 (cask 1004) - (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£109.99 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • 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 Akkeshi?

Akkeshi 3 Year Old 2018 (cask 1004) - (Adelphi) 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

Smokey

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

LeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Akkeshi 3 Year Old 2018 (cask 1004) - (Adelphi)

Fresh FruitOily

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