Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve
Auchentoshan
£120
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Auchentoshan | Caol Ila |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 57.4% |
| Age | 14 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £120 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve
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).
Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve is better value at £120 vs £140.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve
Pros
- +More affordable (£120 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 14 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £120)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland 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 Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cooper's Reserve
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)