Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Old Perth 14 Year Old 2004

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Old Perth 14 Year Old 2004
DistilleryCaol IlaOld Perth
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV57.4%43.7%
Age30 yr14 yr
Price£139.95£118.2
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Old Perth 14 Year Old 2004

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Old Perth 14 Year Old 2004

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Old Perth 14 Year Old 2004 is better value at £118 vs £140.

For beginners: Old Perth 14 Year Old 2004 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)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 14 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £118.2)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Old Perth 14 Year Old 2004

Pros

  • +More affordable (£118.2 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Old?

Old Perth 14 Year Old 2004 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Old Perth 14 Year Old 2004

SherriedDried FruitHoneyToastedTobacco

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