Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - 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)Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryCaol IlaCambus
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV57.4%48.5%
Age30 yr30 yr
Price£139.95£104.78
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £105 vs £140.

For beginners: Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £104.78)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£104.78 vs £139.95)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Cambus?

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

OilyNuttyYeastyMalt Extract

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