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)The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlenDronach
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%55.1%
Age30 yr13 yr
Price£139.95£105
Rating5.00/5

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

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

The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only The GlenDronach 13 Year Old 2005 (cask 887)

SherriedCooked FruitHoneyToastedNutty

Explore more