Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor)
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
North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor)
North British
£104
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | North British |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 57.4% | 54.7% |
| Age | 30 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £104.32 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £104 vs £140.
For beginners: North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 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 23 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £104.32)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +More affordable (£104.32 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — 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 North?
North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor) 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
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only North British 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 598037) - Rare Auld Grain (Duncan Taylor)