Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series
DistilleryCaol IlaBruichladdich
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%60.4%
Age30 yr12 yr
Price£139.95£199.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £200.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series 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)
  • +More affordable (£139.95 vs £199.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (60.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199.95 vs £139.95)
  • 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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series 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 Wood

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

LeatheryMedicinal

Only Bruichladdich 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 3357) - Micro Provenance Series

Cooked FruitSherriedToasted

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