Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Arran 13 Year Old 2010 Small Batch - Port Pipes Matured

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Arran 13 Year Old 2010 Small Batch - Port Pipes Matured
DistilleryCaol IlaArran
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%53.2%
Age30 yr13 yr
Price£139.95£110
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Arran 13 Year Old 2010 Small Batch - Port Pipes Matured

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Arran 13 Year Old 2010 Small Batch - Port Pipes Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Arran 13 Year Old 2010 Small Batch - Port Pipes Matured is better value at £110 vs £140.

For beginners: Arran 13 Year Old 2010 Small Batch - Port Pipes Matured 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 13 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £110)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Arran 13 Year Old 2010 Small Batch - Port Pipes Matured

Pros

  • +More affordable (£110 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
  • 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 Arran?

Arran 13 Year Old 2010 Small Batch - Port Pipes Matured 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)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Arran 13 Year Old 2010 Small Batch - Port Pipes Matured

ChocolateDried FruitFresh FruitHoneyToasted

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