Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs The GlenDronach 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 648)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)The GlenDronach 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 648)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlenDronach
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%61%
Age30 yr11 yr
Price£139.95£108
Rating5.00/5

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

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

The GlenDronach 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 648)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The GlenDronach 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 648)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The GlenDronach 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 648) is better value at £108 vs £140.

For beginners: The GlenDronach 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 648) 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)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £108)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

The GlenDronach 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 648)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£108 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (61%) — 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 The?

The GlenDronach 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 648) 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)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only The GlenDronach 11 Year Old 2008 (cask 648)

SherriedChocolateDried FruitHoneyToasted

Explore more