Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Benrinnes
£196
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benrinnes | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.9% | 57.4% |
| Age | 27 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £196.02 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
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 £196.
For beginners: Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −More expensive (£196.02 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 £196.02)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Benrinnes?
Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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
Both taste of
Only Benrinnes 27 Year Old 1985 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)