Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Fettercairn 22 Year Old
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
Fettercairn 22 Year Old
Fettercairn
★ 5.00
£244
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Fettercairn 22 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Fettercairn |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 47% |
| Age | 17 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £250 | £244 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Fettercairn 22 Year Old
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Fettercairn 22 Year Old
Quick verdict
Fettercairn 22 Year Old is better value at £244 vs £250.
For beginners: Fettercairn 22 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £244)
Fettercairn 22 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£244 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
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 Fettercairn?
Fettercairn 22 Year Old suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Fettercairn 22 Year Old