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)Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey
DistilleryCaol IlaHawk's Rock
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%47%
Age17 yr20 yr
Price£250£179.39
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Honey

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

CitricFresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Garavogue 20 Year Old Irish Whiskey

SherriedCooked FruitDried Fruit

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