Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured
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
Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£117
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Tomintoul |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 61.9% |
| Age | 30 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £116.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured
Quick verdict
Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured is better value at £117 vs £140.
For beginners: Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 14 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £116.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£116.95 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (61.9%) — may need water
- −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 Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured 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 Tomintoul 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 6) - Sherry Butt Matured