Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Ballantines 17 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch 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
Ballantines 17 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky
Ballantine's
£375
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Ballantines 17 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ballantine's |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £375 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Ballantines 17 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Ballantines 17 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch 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 £375.
For beginners: Ballantines 17 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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 £375)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
Ballantines 17 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£375 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 Ballantines?
Ballantines 17 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch 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 Ballantines 17 Year Old / Bot.1970s Blended Scotch Whisky