Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glen Moray 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 707861) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Glen Moray 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 707861) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Moray
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%52.1%
Age30 yr26 yr
Price£139.95£154.88
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glen Moray 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 707861) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Moray 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 707861) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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 £155.

For beginners: Glen Moray 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 707861) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 £154.88)

Cons

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

Glen Moray 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 707861) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£154.88 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 Glen?

Glen Moray 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 707861) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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

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

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Glen Moray 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 707861) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitVanillaToasted

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