Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Bunnahabhain 2001 / 21 Year Old / Expressions of Gratitude / Wemyss Islay Whisky
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
Bunnahabhain 2001 / 21 Year Old / Expressions of Gratitude / Wemyss Islay Whisky
Bunnahabhain
£278
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Bunnahabhain 2001 / 21 Year Old / Expressions of Gratitude / Wemyss Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £278 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Bunnahabhain 2001 / 21 Year Old / Expressions of Gratitude / Wemyss Islay Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Bunnahabhain 2001 / 21 Year Old / Expressions of Gratitude / Wemyss Islay Whisky
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 £278.
For beginners: Bunnahabhain 2001 / 21 Year Old / Expressions of Gratitude / Wemyss Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 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 £278)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bunnahabhain 2001 / 21 Year Old / Expressions of Gratitude / Wemyss Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£278 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 Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 2001 / 21 Year Old / Expressions of Gratitude / Wemyss Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Bunnahabhain 2001 / 21 Year Old / Expressions of Gratitude / Wemyss Islay Whisky