Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
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
Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Glen Grant
£209
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glen Grant |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 47.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £208.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £209 vs £250.
For beginners: Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) 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 £208.55)
Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +More affordable (£208.55 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Glen Grant 26 Year Old 1990 (cask 16979) - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)