Bladnoch 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 440) - Sherry Butt vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bladnoch 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 440) - Sherry ButtCaol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBladnochCaol Ila
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.8%57.4%
Age15 yr30 yr
Price£150£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Bladnoch 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 440) - Sherry Butt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value36/100

Bladnoch 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 440) - Sherry Butt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £150.

For beginners: Bladnoch 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 440) - Sherry Butt is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Bladnoch 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 440) - Sherry Butt

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 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 £150)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 440) - Sherry Butt 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.

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

Old Wood

Only Bladnoch 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 440) - Sherry Butt

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

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