Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)
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

The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)
GlenDronach
£105
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | GlenDronach |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 55.1% |
| Age | 30 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £105 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887) is better value at £105 vs £140.
For beginners: The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887) 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 13 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £105)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)
Pros
- +More affordable (£105 vs £139.95)
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 The?
The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887) 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 The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)