Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne
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

Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne
Ruinart
£249
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Ruinart |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £249 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne is better value at £249 vs £250.
For beginners: Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne is more approachable (65/100 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 £249)
Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne
Pros
- +More affordable (£249 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 Dom?
Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Dom Ruinart Rosé 2009 Champagne