Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak - Kimono Edition vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak - Kimono Edition
Yamazaki
£399
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak - Kimono Edition | 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 | £399 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak - Kimono Edition
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak - Kimono Edition
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 £399.
For beginners: Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak - Kimono Edition is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak - Kimono Edition
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 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 £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Yamazaki?
Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak - Kimono Edition 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
Only Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak - Kimono Edition
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)