Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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
Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glenrothes
£140
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenrothes |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 55.5% |
| Age | 30 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £139.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £140 vs £140.
For beginners: Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 16 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.5%) — 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 Glenrothes?
Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Glenrothes 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 19602410) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)