Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Auchentoshan 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 100391) - Vintage Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)
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

Auchentoshan 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 100391) - Vintage Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)
Auchentoshan
£307
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Auchentoshan 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 100391) - Vintage Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Auchentoshan |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 56.9% |
| Age | 17 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £306.75 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Auchentoshan 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 100391) - Vintage Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Auchentoshan 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 100391) - Vintage Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)
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 £307.
For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (35/100 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 £306.75)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
Auchentoshan 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 100391) - Vintage Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£306.75 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 Auchentoshan?
Auchentoshan 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 100391) - Vintage Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray) 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Auchentoshan 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 100391) - Vintage Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Auchentoshan 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 100391) - Vintage Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange