Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
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 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
Four Roses
£200
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Four Roses |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 55.9% | 54% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
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 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) 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 £199.95)
Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54%) — 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 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition) 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2023 (135th Anniversary Edition)