Glenfarclas 21 Year Old vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old
Glenfarclas
★ 4.12
£195
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Glenfarclas 21 Year Old | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 55.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £194.9 | £250 |
| Rating | 4.12/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old
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 4.12).
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 21 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£194.9 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £194.9)
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Glenfarclas 21 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)