Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits
North Star Spirits
£211
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North Star Spirits | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.6% | 55.9% |
| Age | 50 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £210.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits
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).
Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits is better value at £211 vs £250.
For beginners: Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits
Pros
- +More affordable (£210.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (50 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 £210.95)
Who should buy Blended?
Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain 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 Blended Grain 50 Year Old 1973 - North Star Spirits
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)