Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Living Souls 40 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky - Batch #3

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Living Souls 40 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky - Batch #3
DistilleryCaol IlaWhisky Souls
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV57.4%44.6%
Age30 yr40 yr
Price£139.95£123.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Living Souls 40 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky - Batch #3

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Living Souls 40 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky - Batch #3

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Living Souls 40 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky - Batch #3 is better value at £124 vs £140.

For beginners: Living Souls 40 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky - Batch #3 is more approachable (50/100 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £123.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Living Souls 40 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky - Batch #3

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£123.95 vs £139.95)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 30 years)

Cons

  • 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 Living?

Living Souls 40 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky - Batch #3 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOld Wood

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

LeatheryMedicinal

Only Living Souls 40 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky - Batch #3

Sherried

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