Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Ardmore
£370
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Caol Ila |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.6% | 55.9% |
| Age | 25 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £369.5 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £370.
For beginners: Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£369.5 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 £369.5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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
Only Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 18249) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)