Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
Lagavulin
£199
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 55.9% |
| Age | NAS | 17 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) 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 Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)