Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glen Moray 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 7040573) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Glen Moray 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 7040573) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Moray
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%52.8%
Age30 yr16 yr
Price£139.95£118.5
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glen Moray 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 7040573) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Moray 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 7040573) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glen Moray 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 7040573) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £119 vs £140.

For beginners: Glen Moray 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 7040573) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

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 16 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £118.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Moray 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 7040573) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£118.5 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Moray 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 7040573) - The Octave (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.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Glen Moray 16 Year Old 2007 (cask 7040573) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

VanillaHoneyToastedDried FruitSherried

Explore more