Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Highland Park
£235
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Caol Ila |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 55.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £234.5 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
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).
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) is better value at £235 vs £250.
For beginners: Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£234.5 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
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 £234.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)