Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glen Scotia 24 Year Old 1991 (cask 4) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Glen Scotia 24 Year Old 1991 (cask 4) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Scotia
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%46%
Age30 yr24 yr
Price£139.95£159.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glen Scotia 24 Year Old 1991 (cask 4) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Scotia 24 Year Old 1991 (cask 4) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £160.

For beginners: Glen Scotia 24 Year Old 1991 (cask 4) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 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)
  • +More affordable (£139.95 vs £159.95)

Cons

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

Glen Scotia 24 Year Old 1991 (cask 4) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£159.95 vs £139.95)
  • 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 Scotia 24 Year Old 1991 (cask 4) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

LeatheryOld Wood

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

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Glen Scotia 24 Year Old 1991 (cask 4) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitTobacco

Where to buy

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

Glen Scotia 24 Year Old 1991 (cask 4) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

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