Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)
Three Rivers
£225
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers) | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Three Rivers | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.9% | 55.9% |
| Age | 6 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £225 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)
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).
Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers) is better value at £225 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£225 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.9%) — 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)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 6 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £225)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Islay?
Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers) 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 Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)