Bowmore 21 Year Old - Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques 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 - Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques
Bowmore
£160
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Bowmore 21 Year Old - Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.4% | 57.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £159.95 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 21 Year Old - Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bowmore 21 Year Old - Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques
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 £160.
For beginners: Bowmore 21 Year Old - Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 21 Year Old - Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£159.95 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 £159.95)
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 - Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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 Bowmore 21 Year Old - Château Lagrange French Oak Barriques
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)