Caledonian 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 23482) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

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

Caledonian 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 23482) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
DistilleryCaledonianCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV52%55.9%
Age32 yr17 yr
Price£267£250
Rating5.00/5

Caledonian 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 23482) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caledonian 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 23482) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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).

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £267.

For beginners: Caledonian 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 23482) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caledonian 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 23482) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 17 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£267 vs £250)
  • 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 affordable (£250 vs £267)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water

Who should buy Caledonian?

Caledonian 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 23482) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

HoneyMalt Extract

Only Caledonian 32 Year Old 1987 (cask 23482) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

VanillaOld WoodNutty

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

CitricFresh Fruit

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