Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCaol IlaCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV61.1%57.4%
Age20 yr30 yr
Price£124.8£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)

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).

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl) is better value at £125 vs £140.

For beginners: Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£124.8 vs £139.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (61.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 20 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £124.8)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl) 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

SmokeyMedicinalLeatheryOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 20 Year Old 1975 - Rare Malts (20cl)

Oily

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