Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
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
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
Four Roses
£188
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Four Roses |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 55.9% | 56.3% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £187.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019 is better value at £188 vs £250.
For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019 is more approachable (50/100 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 £187.5)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£187.5 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.3%) — 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 Four?
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019 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 Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2019