Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt)
Bruichladdich
£250
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
| Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt) | Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.4% | 55.9% |
| Age | 28 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £249.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt)
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 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt) is better value at £250 vs £250.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£249.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −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 £249.95)
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 28 Year Old 1990 (Master of Malt)
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)