Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish
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 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish
Tomintoul
£132
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Tomintoul |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 46% |
| Age | 30 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £132 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish is better value at £132 vs £140.
For beginners: Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish 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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £132)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish
Pros
- +More affordable (£132 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 Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Tomintoul 17 Year Old 2005 Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish