Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Invergordon 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 10577) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Invergordon 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 10577) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryCaol IlaInvergordon
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV55.9%50%
Age17 yr40 yr
Price£250£234.53
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 10577) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 10577) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 10577) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £235 vs £250.

For beginners: Invergordon 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 10577) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 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 £234.53)

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 10577) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£234.53 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 17 years)

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 Invergordon?

Invergordon 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 10577) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

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

CitricFresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Invergordon 40 Year Old 1974 (cask 10577) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodVanillaNuttyToasted

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