Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Courvoisier VSOP / Bot.1960s / Late King George VI
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
Courvoisier VSOP / Bot.1960s / Late King George VI
Courvoisier
£350
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Courvoisier VSOP / Bot.1960s / Late King George VI | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Courvoisier |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £350 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Courvoisier VSOP / Bot.1960s / Late King George VI
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Courvoisier VSOP / Bot.1960s / Late King George VI
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 £350.
For beginners: Courvoisier VSOP / Bot.1960s / Late King George VI is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £350)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
Courvoisier VSOP / Bot.1960s / Late King George VI
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£350 vs £250)
- −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 Courvoisier?
Courvoisier VSOP / Bot.1960s / Late King George VI is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Courvoisier VSOP / Bot.1960s / Late King George VI