Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glen Garioch 10 Year Old - Early 1980s

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Glen Garioch 10 Year Old - Early 1980s
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Garioch
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%40%
Age17 yr10 yr
Price£250£199.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glen Garioch 10 Year Old - Early 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Garioch 10 Year Old - Early 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Garioch 10 Year Old - Early 1980s is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Garioch 10 Year Old - Early 1980s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 10 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)

Glen Garioch 10 Year Old - Early 1980s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£199.95 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 Glen?

Glen Garioch 10 Year Old - Early 1980s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

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

Citric

Only Glen Garioch 10 Year Old - Early 1980s

Vanilla

Explore more