Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glen Grant
★ 5.00
£106
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glen Grant |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 52.5% |
| Age | 30 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £106.37 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £106 vs £140.
For beginners: Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 20 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £106.37)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£106.37 vs £139.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
- −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 Glen?
Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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)
Only Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)