Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
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
Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
Glen Keith
★ 4.50
£120
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glen Keith |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 54.9% |
| Age | 30 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £120 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.50/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers) is better value at £120 vs £140.
For beginners: Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £120)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£120 vs £139.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
- −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 Glen?
Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Glen Keith 17 Year Old 1996 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)