Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Auchentoshan
£199
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Auchentoshan | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 55.9% |
| Age | NAS | 17 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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).
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −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 widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
Who should buy Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 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
Only Auchentoshan 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)