Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCaol IlaHighland Park
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%57.5%
Age30 yr24 yr
Price£139.95£209.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner40/100
Value24/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £210.

For beginners: Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£139.95 vs £209.95)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 24 years)

Cons

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

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£209.95 vs £139.95)

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 Highland?

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOld Wood

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

LeatheryMedicinal

Only Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SherriedHoney

Explore more