Cameronbridge 40 Year Old 1978 (cask 12430) - 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.
Cameronbridge 40 Year Old 1978 (cask 12430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Cameron Bridge
£148
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
| Cameronbridge 40 Year Old 1978 (cask 12430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Cameron Bridge | Caol Ila |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52.8% | 57.4% |
| Age | 40 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £147.67 | £139.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Cameronbridge 40 Year Old 1978 (cask 12430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Cameronbridge 40 Year Old 1978 (cask 12430) - 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 £148.
For beginners: Cameronbridge 40 Year Old 1978 (cask 12430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Cameronbridge 40 Year Old 1978 (cask 12430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 30 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£147.67 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 £147.67)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Cameronbridge?
Cameronbridge 40 Year Old 1978 (cask 12430) - 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 Cameronbridge 40 Year Old 1978 (cask 12430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)