Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) - vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Douglas Laing
£225
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) - | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Douglas Laing | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.2% | 57.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £225 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas 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 £225.
For beginners: Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) - is more approachable (25/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£225 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 £225)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) - 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
Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12539) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) -