The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old
The Glenlivet
★ 4.04
£299
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Glenlivet | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 55.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | 4.04/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old
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 4.04).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
Who should buy The?
The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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
Both taste of
Only The Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)