Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet
DistilleryCaol IlaCompass Box
RegionIslayOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV55.9%49%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£237.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet is better value at £238 vs £250.

For beginners: Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet is more approachable (40/100 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 £237.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£237.95 vs £250)
  • +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 Compass?

Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

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

CitricFresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

Only Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet

Old WoodSmokeyToasted

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