Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Tobermory 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 5) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
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
Tobermory 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 5) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Tobermory
★ 5.00
£142
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Tobermory 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 5) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Tobermory |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 46% |
| Age | 30 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £141.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Tobermory 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 5) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Tobermory 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 5) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £142.
For beginners: Tobermory 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 5) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£139.95 vs £141.95)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 20 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tobermory 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 5) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −More expensive (£141.95 vs £139.95)
- −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 Tobermory?
Tobermory 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 5) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Tobermory 20 Year Old 1995 (cask 5) - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)