Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryCaol IlaTobermory
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%57.2%
Age30 yr25 yr
Price£139.95£132.77
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is better value at £133 vs £140.

For beginners: Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (25/100 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 25 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £132.77)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£132.77 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Ledaig?

Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) 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

SmokeyOld Wood

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

LeatheryMedicinal

Only Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Cooked FruitOily

Explore more