Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt)
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
Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt)
Garnheath
★ 5.00
£225
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Garnheath |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 55.9% | 50.7% |
| Age | 17 yr | 42 yr |
| Price | £250 | £225.37 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt) is better value at £225 vs £250.
For beginners: Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £225.37)
Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£225.37 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.7%) — may need water
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 Garnheath?
Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt) 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Garnheath 42 Year Old (cask 11524) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt)