Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Foursquare Patrimonio 2004 / 14 Year Old Rum

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Foursquare Patrimonio 2004 / 14 Year Old Rum
DistilleryCaol IlaFoursquare
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV55.9%40%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£195
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Foursquare Patrimonio 2004 / 14 Year Old Rum

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Foursquare Patrimonio 2004 / 14 Year Old Rum

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Foursquare Patrimonio 2004 / 14 Year Old Rum is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Foursquare Patrimonio 2004 / 14 Year Old 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 £195)

Foursquare Patrimonio 2004 / 14 Year Old Rum

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£195 vs £250)

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 Patrimonio 2004 / 14 Year Old 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 Patrimonio 2004 / 14 Year Old Rum

SherriedVanillaChocolateTobaccoNutty

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