Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) 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 (Thompson Bros.)
Ardmore
£211
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) | 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 | 48.9% | 55.9% |
| Age | 25 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £211 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
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).
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £211 vs £250.
For beginners: Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£211 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 £211)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 25 Year Old (Thompson Bros.) 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 (Thompson Bros.)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)