Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Clynelish
£180
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Clynelish | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.1% | 55.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £179.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
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).
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 £179.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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
Both taste of
Only Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)