Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid vs Tormore 28 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavidTormore 28 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCaol IlaTormore
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%60.2%
Age13 yr8 yr
Price£150£123.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Tormore 28 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value40/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tormore 28 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tormore 28 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Tormore 28 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £124 vs £150.

For beginners: Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 vs £123.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Tormore 28 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£123.95 vs £150)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (60.2%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid 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 Tormore?

Tormore 28 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 Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKipperyLeathery

Only Tormore 28 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Malt ExtractVanillaOld WoodToasted

Where to buy

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1989 - Murray McDavid

Tormore 28 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Explore more