Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Mannochmore 18 Year Old 1990 (2009 Special Release)
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
Mannochmore 18 Year Old 1990 (2009 Special Release)
Mannochmore
★ 4.25
£175
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Mannochmore 18 Year Old 1990 (2009 Special Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Mannochmore |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 54.9% |
| Age | 30 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £175 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.25/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Mannochmore 18 Year Old 1990 (2009 Special Release)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Mannochmore 18 Year Old 1990 (2009 Special Release)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.25).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £175.
For beginners: Mannochmore 18 Year Old 1990 (2009 Special Release) 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)
- +More affordable (£139.95 vs £175)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mannochmore 18 Year Old 1990 (2009 Special Release)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£175 vs £139.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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 Mannochmore?
Mannochmore 18 Year Old 1990 (2009 Special Release) 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 Mannochmore 18 Year Old 1990 (2009 Special Release)