Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Glen Keith
£297
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Keith | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.3% | 55.9% |
| Age | 36 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £297 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
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 £297.
For beginners: Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (36 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£297 vs £250)
- −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 affordable (£250 vs £297)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Glenisla?
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)