Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Deanston
★ 5.00
£105
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Deanston |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 66.6% |
| Age | 30 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £104.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £105 vs £140.
For beginners: Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 13 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £104.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£104.99 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (66.6%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Deanston?
Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Deanston 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 900078) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)