Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 900859) - 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)GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 900859) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlenAllachie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%66.4%
Age30 yr12 yr
Price£139.95£108.99
Rating5.00/5

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

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

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 900859) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 900859) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 900859) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £109 vs £140.

For beginners: GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 900859) - 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £108.99)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 900859) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£108.99 vs £139.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (66.4%) — 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 GlenAllachie?

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 900859) - 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)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only GlenAllachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 900859) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitMalt ExtractToasted

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