Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2000 - Small Casks vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

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

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2000 - Small CasksCaol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
DistillerySpringbankCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.1%55.9%
Age8 yr17 yr
Price£399£250
Rating5.00/5

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2000 - Small Casks

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

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

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2000 - Small Casks

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).

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £399.

For beginners: Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2000 - Small Casks is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2000 - Small Casks

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £250)
  • 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 affordable (£250 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water

Who should buy Hazelburn?

Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2000 - Small Casks suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

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

Malt ExtractHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Hazelburn 8 Year Old 2000 - Small Casks

VanillaToasted

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

Citric

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