Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Craigellachie 20 Year Old 2005 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
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
Craigellachie 20 Year Old 2005 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Craigellachie
£216
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Craigellachie 20 Year Old 2005 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Craigellachie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Scotch |
| ABV | 55.9% | 58.3% |
| Age | 17 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £215.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Craigellachie 20 Year Old 2005 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Craigellachie 20 Year Old 2005 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Craigellachie 20 Year Old 2005 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £216 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (35/100 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 £215.5)
Craigellachie 20 Year Old 2005 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +More affordable (£215.5 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
- −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 Craigellachie?
Craigellachie 20 Year Old 2005 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Craigellachie 20 Year Old 2005 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)