Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
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
Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
Alistair Walker
£126
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Alistair Walker |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 52% |
| Age | 30 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £125.57 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) is better value at £126 vs £140.
For beginners: Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) 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 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £125.57)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
Pros
- +More affordable (£125.57 vs £139.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — 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 Orkney?
Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) 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 Orkney 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 5743) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)