Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks)
Bruichladdich
£180
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks) | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.7% | 55.9% |
| Age | 18 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £179.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks) is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £179.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks) 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 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Bruichladdich 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 518) - Inaugural Casks (Nickolls & Perks)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)