Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
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
Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Blair Athol
★ 5.00
£110
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Blair Athol |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 51.5% |
| Age | 30 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £109.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £110 vs £140.
For beginners: Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £109.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£109.95 vs £139.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −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 Blair?
Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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)
Only Blair Athol 21 Year Old - Batch 5 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)