Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryCaol IlaCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%58.5%
Age30 yr16 yr
Price£139.95£123.52
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £124 vs £140.

For beginners: Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 16 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £123.52)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£123.52 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.5%) — 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

SmokeyOld WoodMedicinal

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

Leathery

Only Caol Ila 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 5) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SherriedDried Fruit

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