Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey
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

Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Hawk's Rock
£179
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Hawk's Rock |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 47% |
| Age | 17 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.39 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey is better value at £179 vs £250.
For beginners: Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey is more approachable (55/100 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 £179.39)
Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey
Pros
- +More affordable (£179.39 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 17 years)
- +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 Garavogue?
Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey