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 EditionCaol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryHibikiCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%55.9%
AgeNAS17 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value20/100

Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Fresh FruitHoney

Only Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition

VanillaSherried

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

CitricMalt Extract

Where to buy

Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 - Second Edition

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

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