Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve
Glenmorangie
★ 4.75
£199
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenmorangie | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 55.9% |
| Age | 19 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 4.75/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve
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 4.75).
Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
Who should buy Glenmorangie?
Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve 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 Glenmorangie 19 Year Old Finest Reserve
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)