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)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250

Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet
Compass Box
£238
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Compass Box |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 55.9% | 49% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £237.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet
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)
Only Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet