Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Mortlach 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Mortlach 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%48.8%
Age30 yr20 yr
Price£139.95£129.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

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

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

Mortlach 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner55/100
Value31/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Mortlach 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £130 vs £140.

For beginners: Mortlach 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 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 20 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

Mortlach 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£129.95 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Mortlach 20 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

ToastedChocolateNuttyDried Fruit

Explore more