Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs George T. Stagg Bourbon (2015 Release)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)George T. Stagg Bourbon (2015 Release)
DistilleryCaol IlaGeorge T. Stagg
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV57.4%69.1%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£139.95£141.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2015 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value35/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £142.

For beginners: George T. Stagg Bourbon (2015 Release) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£139.95 vs £141.95)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (69.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£141.95 vs £139.95)
  • 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 George?

George T. Stagg Bourbon (2015 Release) 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)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only George T. Stagg Bourbon (2015 Release)

VanillaChocolateToastedNew WoodDried Fruit

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