Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Compass Box The Circle
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
Compass Box The Circle
Compass Box
★ 3.00
£120
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Compass Box The Circle | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Compass Box |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 46% |
| Age | 30 yr | NAS |
| Price | £139.95 | £119.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.00/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Compass Box The Circle
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Compass Box The Circle
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
Compass Box The Circle is better value at £120 vs £140.
For beginners: Compass Box The Circle is more approachable (60/100 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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £119.9)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Compass Box The Circle
Pros
- +More affordable (£119.9 vs £139.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.0 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 Compass?
Compass Box The Circle suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Compass Box The Circle