Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Barton Brands
★ 5.00
£180

Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)
Caol Ila
£147
| Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s | Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Barton Brands | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 51.9% |
| Age | NAS | 30 yr |
| Price | £180 | £146.52 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)
Quick verdict
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands) is better value at £147 vs £180.
For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£180 vs £146.52)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£146.52 vs £180)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Barton's?
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands) 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 Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)
Where to buy
Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 (Celtic Heartlands)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange