Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask
Aberfeldy
£155
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask | 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 | 40% | 57.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £154.95 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
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: Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£154.95 vs £139.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 £154.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberfeldy?
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Madeira Cask 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 21 Year Old Madeira Cask
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)