Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
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
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
Ben Nevis
£199
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ben Nevis |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 56.2% |
| Age | 17 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (35/100 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)
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −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 Ben?
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu