Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Tormore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1252) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Tormore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1252) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryCaol IlaTormore
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%59.1%
Age30 yr22 yr
Price£139.95£165.34
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Tormore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1252) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tormore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1252) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £140 vs £165.

For beginners: Tormore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1252) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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)
  • +More affordable (£139.95 vs £165.34)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Tormore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1252) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£165.34 vs £139.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Tormore?

Tormore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1252) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

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

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Tormore 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1252) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedCooked FruitNuttyCitric

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