Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne
DistilleryCaol IlaRuinart
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV55.9%40%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£249
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne is better value at £249 vs £250.

For beginners: Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne is more approachable (65/100 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 £249)

Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne

Pros

  • +More affordable (£249 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Dom?

Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

CitricFresh Fruit

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

HoneyMalt Extract

Only Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne

Fragant

Explore more