Port Charlotte 21 Year Old 2002 (Cask 1185) - The Single Cask vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Charlotte 21 Year Old 2002 (Cask 1185) - The Single Cask
Bruichladdich
£279
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Port Charlotte 21 Year Old 2002 (Cask 1185) - The Single Cask | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.4% | 55.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £278.5 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Port Charlotte 21 Year Old 2002 (Cask 1185) - The Single Cask
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Port Charlotte 21 Year Old 2002 (Cask 1185) - The Single Cask
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).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £279.
For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Port Charlotte 21 Year Old 2002 (Cask 1185) - The Single Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£278.5 vs £250)
- −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 affordable (£250 vs £278.5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Port?
Port Charlotte 21 Year Old 2002 (Cask 1185) - The Single Cask 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
Both taste of
Only Port Charlotte 21 Year Old 2002 (Cask 1185) - The Single Cask
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)