Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022
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 2022
Four Roses
£195
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Four Roses |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 55.9% | 54.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £195 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022
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 2022 is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022 is more approachable (45/100 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 £195)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022
Pros
- +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.5%) — 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 2022 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 Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2022