Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Dallas Dhu 20 Year Old 1977 (cask 1123) - First Cask
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
Dallas Dhu 20 Year Old 1977 (cask 1123) - First Cask
Dallas Dhu
£259
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Dallas Dhu 20 Year Old 1977 (cask 1123) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Dallas Dhu |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 46% |
| Age | 17 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £259.13 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Dallas Dhu 20 Year Old 1977 (cask 1123) - First Cask
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Dallas Dhu 20 Year Old 1977 (cask 1123) - First Cask
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 £259.
For beginners: Dallas Dhu 20 Year Old 1977 (cask 1123) - First Cask is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £259.13)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Dallas Dhu 20 Year Old 1977 (cask 1123) - First Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£259.13 vs £250)
- −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 Dallas?
Dallas Dhu 20 Year Old 1977 (cask 1123) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Dallas Dhu 20 Year Old 1977 (cask 1123) - First Cask