Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Peat's Beast 25 Year Old (52.2%)
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
Peat's Beast 25 Year Old (52.2%)
Peat's Beast
£190
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Peat's Beast 25 Year Old (52.2%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Peat's Beast |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 52.2% |
| Age | 17 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £190 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Peat's Beast 25 Year Old (52.2%)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Peat's Beast 25 Year Old (52.2%)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Peat's Beast 25 Year Old (52.2%) is better value at £190 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 £190)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Peat's Beast 25 Year Old (52.2%)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£190 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — 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 Peat's?
Peat's Beast 25 Year Old (52.2%) 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 Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Peat's Beast 25 Year Old (52.2%)