Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
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
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Clynelish
£180
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Clynelish |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 46.1% |
| Age | 17 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
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
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Clynelish?
Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Clynelish 21 Year Old - Forgotten Gems