Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
Yamazaki
★ 3.50
£200
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling) | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Yamazaki | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 55.9% |
| Age | NAS | 17 yr |
| Price | £199.95 | £250 |
| Rating | 3.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
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 3.50).
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.5 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 £199.95)
Who should buy Yamazaki?
Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling) 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 Yamazaki 60 Months Old (Rare Bottling)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)