Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
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
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bowmore
£265
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bowmore |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 53% |
| Age | 17 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £264.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
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 £265.
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 £264.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£264.95 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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) 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 Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11723) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange