Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950sCaol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryGordon'sCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%55.9%
AgeNAS17 yr
Price£250£250
Rating5.00/5

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value20/100

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £250.

For beginners: Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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

Who should buy Gordons?

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

Citric

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

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