Bunnahabhain Dràm An Stiùreadair - Fèis Ìle 2014 vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bunnahabhain Dràm An Stiùreadair - Fèis Ìle 2014Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryBunnahabhainCaol Ila
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.7%55.9%
Age10 yr17 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Bunnahabhain Dràm An Stiùreadair - Fèis Ìle 2014

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value20/100

Bunnahabhain Dràm An Stiùreadair - Fèis Ìle 2014

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bunnahabhain Dràm An Stiùreadair - Fèis Ìle 2014 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).

Bunnahabhain Dràm An Stiùreadair - Fèis Ìle 2014

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.7%) — 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)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 10 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain Dràm An Stiùreadair - Fèis Ìle 2014 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

Only Bunnahabhain Dràm An Stiùreadair - Fèis Ìle 2014

SmokeySherriedCooked FruitChocolateToasted

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

CitricFresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

Explore more