Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
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
Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Shortcross Gin
£119
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Shortcross Gin |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Pot Still |
| ABV | 57.4% | 55.1% |
| Age | 30 yr | NAS |
| Price | £139.95 | £118.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is better value at £119 vs £140.
For beginners: Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is more approachable (35/100 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 £118.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +More affordable (£118.95 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — 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 Shortcross?
Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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 Shortcross 2017 (bottled 2023) (cask 48) - Collective #1: The Pioneers (Berry Bros. & Rudd)