Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 vs Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Caol Ila
£499

Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)
Tamdhu
★ 5.00
£395
| Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 | Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Tamdhu |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £499 | £395 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) is better value at £395 vs £499.
For beginners: Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£499 vs £395)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£395 vs £499)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009 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 Tamdhu?
Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 1996 (cask 19313) - Fèis Ìle 2009
Only Tamdhu 30 Year Old - The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon and MacPhail)