Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
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
Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Signatory
£184
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Signatory |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 57.9% |
| Age | 17 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £184.38 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £184 vs £250.
For beginners: Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (50/100 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 £184.38)
Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£184.38 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.9%) — 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 Secret?
Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU 17/A106 #20) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)