Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
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
Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Clynelish
£237
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Clynelish |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 49.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | 27 yr |
| Price | £250 | £237 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) is better value at £237 vs £250.
For beginners: Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) 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 widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £237)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£237 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −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 Clynelish?
Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) 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 Clynelish 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 13155) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)