Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Kanosuke Artist Edition #004

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Kanosuke Artist Edition #004
DistilleryCaol IlaKanosuke
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%50%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Kanosuke Artist Edition #004

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kanosuke Artist Edition #004

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £299.

For beginners: Kanosuke Artist Edition #004 is more approachable (45/100 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 £299)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Kanosuke Artist Edition #004

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 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 Kanosuke?

Kanosuke Artist Edition #004 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

Both taste of

CitricFresh Fruit

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

HoneyMalt Extract

Only Kanosuke Artist Edition #004

SmokeySandyMedicinal

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