Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 337) - Edison The Inventor

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 337) - Edison The Inventor
DistilleryCaol IlaBimber
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%58.6%
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 337) - Edison The Inventor

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 337) - Edison The Inventor

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 337) - Edison The Inventor is better value at £199 vs £250.

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 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 337) - Edison The Inventor

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.6%) — 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 337) - Edison The Inventor 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

Fresh FruitHoney

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

CitricMalt Extract

Only Bimber Shoulders of Giants (cask 337) - Edison The Inventor

VanillaToastedNew Wood

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