Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022
Four Roses
£195
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Four Roses | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.5% | 55.9% |
| Age | NAS | 17 yr |
| Price | £195 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022
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).
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022
Pros
- +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
- −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 £195)
Who should buy Four?
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 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 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 Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)