Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Glenlivet
£225
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenlivet | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 55.9% |
| Age | NAS | 17 yr |
| Price | £225 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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).
Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £225 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£225 vs £250)
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 £225)
Who should buy Glenlivet?
Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 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 Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1970s Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)