Aberlour 18 Year Old vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Aberlour
★ 4.67
£141
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Aberlour 18 Year Old | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.4% |
| Age | 18 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £140.75 | £139.95 |
| Rating | 4.67/5 | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Aberlour 18 Year Old
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 4.67).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £141.
For beginners: Aberlour 18 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£140.75 vs £139.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.7 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 £140.75)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Aberlour 18 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)