Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old
Foursquare
£199
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Foursquare |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
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 £199)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Foursquare?
Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Foursquare 2004 Cask Strength Rum / 11 Year Old