Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Midleton
★ 5.00
£186
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Midleton | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Pot Still | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.3% | 55.9% |
| Age | NAS | 17 yr |
| Price | £185.86 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Quick verdict
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is better value at £186 vs £250.
For beginners: Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£185.86 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £185.86)
Who should buy Midleton?
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) 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
Both taste of
Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)