Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition #9 vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition #9
Bowmore
£250
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition #9 | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 55.9% |
| Age | 18 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £250 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition #9
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition #9
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 £250.
For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition #9 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition #9
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition #9 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 Bowmore 18 Year Old Deep & Complex - Aston Martin Edition #9
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)