Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Moray
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%43%
Age17 yr25 yr
Price£250£229.74
Rating5.00/54.50/5

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

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

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value20/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish is better value at £230 vs £250.

For beginners: Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £229.74)

Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£229.74 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.5 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 Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish 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

Honey

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

CitricFresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Glen Moray 25 Year Old 1988 Port Cask Finish

Cooked FruitDried FruitOld WoodSherried

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