Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)
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
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)
Ardmore
£105
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ardmore |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 55.3% |
| Age | 30 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £104.57 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff) is better value at £105 vs £140.
For beginners: Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff) 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 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £104.57)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£104.57 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — 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 Ardmore?
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff) 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
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Ardmore 17 Year Old 2000 (cask CM242) - The Golden Cask (House of Macduff)