Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive)
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
GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive)
GlenAllachie
£201
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | GlenAllachie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 54.2% |
| Age | 17 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £200.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive) is better value at £201 vs £250.
For beginners: GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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 £200.95)
GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Pros
- +More affordable (£200.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — 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 GlenAllachie?
GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only GlenAllachie 20 Year Old 2005 (cask 5391) - Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (Master of Malt Exclusive)