Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - 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.

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCambusCaol Ila
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV48.5%57.4%
Age30 yr30 yr
Price£104.78£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

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

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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).

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £105 vs £140.

For beginners: Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£104.78 vs £139.95)

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £104.78)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Cambus?

Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland 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

Old Wood

Only Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12754) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

OilyNuttyYeastyMalt Extract

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

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