Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)
DistilleryCaol IlaTomatin
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%47.3%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£139.95£124.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) is better value at £125 vs £140.

For beginners: Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (55/100 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 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £124.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£124.95 vs £139.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 Tomatin?

Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Tomatin 21 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

Dried FruitVanillaNuttyToastedHoney

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