Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glen Garioch 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 20251) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Glen Garioch 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 20251) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Garioch
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%50.6%
Age17 yr27 yr
Price£250£180.78
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glen Garioch 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 20251) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Garioch 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 20251) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Garioch 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 20251) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is better value at £181 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Garioch 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 20251) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is more approachable (45/100 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 £180.78)

Glen Garioch 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 20251) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£180.78 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 17 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.6%) — may need water
  • 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 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 20251) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyMalt Extract

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

CitricFresh Fruit

Only Glen Garioch 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 20251) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

VanillaToastedOld Wood

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