Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Edradour 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 2026) - Velier 70th Anniversary Exclusive
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
Edradour 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 2026) - Velier 70th Anniversary Exclusive
Edradour
£200
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Edradour 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 2026) - Velier 70th Anniversary Exclusive | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Edradour |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 56.2% |
| Age | 17 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Edradour 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 2026) - Velier 70th Anniversary Exclusive
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Edradour 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 2026) - Velier 70th Anniversary Exclusive
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Edradour 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 2026) - Velier 70th Anniversary Exclusive is better value at £200 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 £199.95)
Edradour 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 2026) - Velier 70th Anniversary Exclusive
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — 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 Edradour?
Edradour 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 2026) - Velier 70th Anniversary Exclusive 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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Edradour 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 2026) - Velier 70th Anniversary Exclusive