Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish(Darkness) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish(Darkness)
Ardbeg
£175
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish(Darkness) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.5% | 57.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £174.95 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish(Darkness)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish(Darkness)
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 £175.
For beginners: Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish(Darkness) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish(Darkness)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£174.95 vs £139.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £174.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish(Darkness) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish(Darkness)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)