Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) vs Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCaol IlaCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.2%57.4%
Age28 yr30 yr
Price£118.49£139.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

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 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £118 vs £140.

For beginners: Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (30/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£118.49 vs £139.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — 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 28 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £118.49)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) 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

SmokeyOld WoodLeatheryMedicinal

Only Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

Kippery

Where to buy

Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)

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

Explore more