Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Clynelish 22 Year Old 1993 - Whisky is Class...ical (Silver Seal)

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Clynelish 22 Year Old 1993 - Whisky is Class...ical (Silver Seal)
DistilleryCaol IlaClynelish
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%51.7%
Age17 yr22 yr
Price£250£412.57
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Clynelish 22 Year Old 1993 - Whisky is Class...ical (Silver Seal)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 22 Year Old 1993 - Whisky is Class...ical (Silver Seal)

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 £413.

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 affordable (£250 vs £412.57)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Clynelish 22 Year Old 1993 - Whisky is Class...ical (Silver Seal)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£412.57 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 Clynelish?

Clynelish 22 Year Old 1993 - Whisky is Class...ical (Silver Seal) 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)

CitricFresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

Only Clynelish 22 Year Old 1993 - Whisky is Class...ical (Silver Seal)

LeatherySmokeyToastedOld WoodOily

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