Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
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
Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Bowmore
£181
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bowmore |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 53% |
| Age | 17 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £250 | £180.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £181 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)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 14 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £180.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£180.95 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53%) — 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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) 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 Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange