Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCaol IlaTobermory
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%48.6%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£139.95£139.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £140.

For beginners: Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (45/100 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 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • 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 Ledaig?

Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyLeatheryOld Wood

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

Medicinal

Only Ledaig 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SherriedTobacco

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