Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Compass Box Duality Blended Malt 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

Compass Box Duality Blended Malt Whisky
Compass Box
£180
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Compass Box Duality Blended Malt Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Compass Box |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £180 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Compass Box Duality Blended Malt Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Compass Box Duality Blended Malt Whisky
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Compass Box Duality Blended Malt Whisky is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Compass Box Duality Blended Malt Whisky 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 £180)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Compass Box Duality Blended Malt Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
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 Compass?
Compass Box Duality Blended Malt Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Compass Box Duality Blended Malt Whisky