Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013
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
Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013
Glenfarclas
£130
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenfarclas |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 43% |
| Age | 30 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £129.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013 is better value at £130 vs £140.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013 is more approachable (70/100 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 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £129.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£129.95 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Glenfarclas 17 Year Old - Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival 2013