Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
Bushmills
£199
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bushmills | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 57.4% |
| Age | NAS | 30 yr |
| Price | £199 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
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 £199.
For beginners: Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −More expensive (£199 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 £199)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bushmills?
Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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
Only Bushmills 1608 400th Anniversary
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)