Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series
Aberfeldy
★ 5.00
£119
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberfeldy | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.4% |
| Age | 19 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £118.51 | £139.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series is better value at £119 vs £140.
For beginners: Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£118.51 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 19 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 £118.51)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberfeldy?
Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
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.
Tasting notes
Only Aberfeldy 19 Year Old (cask 3076-78) Oloroso Sherry Cask - Exceptional Cask Series
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)