Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
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
Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Carsebridge
★ 5.00
£234
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Carsebridge |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 55.9% | 53.1% |
| Age | 17 yr | 42 yr |
| Price | £250 | £234.25 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Quick verdict
Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) is better value at £234 vs £250.
For beginners: Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £234.25)
Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£234.25 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
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 Carsebridge?
Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) 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 Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Carsebridge 42 Year Old 1973 (cask 12366) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)