Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition
Hibiki
£199

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 55.9% |
| Age | NAS | 17 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition
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).
Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +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
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
Who should buy Hibiki?
Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange