Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 513/28) - Chopin The Composer

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 513/28) - Chopin The Composer
DistilleryCaol IlaBimber
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%52%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 513/28) - Chopin The Composer

Smoke0/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 513/28) - Chopin The Composer

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 513/28) - Chopin The Composer is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 513/28) - Chopin The Composer is more approachable (45/100 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 £199)

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 513/28) - Chopin The Composer

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — 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 Bimber?

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 513/28) - Chopin The Composer 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 Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 513/28) - Chopin The Composer

SherriedDried FruitVanillaToastedNutty

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