Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 437) - Sax The Inventor vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 437) - Sax The InventorCaol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryBimberCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryEnglandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.3%55.9%
AgeNAS17 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 437) - Sax The Inventor

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value20/100

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 437) - Sax The Inventor

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 437) - Sax The Inventor is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 437) - Sax The Inventor is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 437) - Sax The Inventor

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.3%) — 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 £199)

Who should buy Bimber?

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 437) - Sax The Inventor 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 Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 437) - Sax The Inventor

SherriedDried FruitChocolateVanillaToasted

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

CitricFresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

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