Tamdhu Cigar Malt vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Tamdhu Cigar MaltCaol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryTamdhuCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.8%55.9%
Age18 yr17 yr
Price£180£250
Rating5.00/5

Tamdhu Cigar Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Tamdhu Cigar Malt

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).

Tamdhu Cigar Malt is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Tamdhu Cigar Malt is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Tamdhu Cigar Malt

Pros

  • +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
  • 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 £180)

Who should buy Tamdhu?

Tamdhu Cigar Malt 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.

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 Tamdhu Cigar Malt

SherriedChocolateDried FruitToastedVanilla

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

CitricFresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

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