Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum
DistilleryCaol IlaFoursquare
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV55.9%40%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£180
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value20/100

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum is more approachable (70/100 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 £180)

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£180 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 Foursquare?

Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

CitricFresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

Only Foursquare 2009 / 12 Year Old Single Traditional Blended Rum

Cooked FruitDried FruitVanillaToasted

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