Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glenburgie
£187
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenburgie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 58.7% |
| Age | 17 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £250 | £186.91 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £187 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (35/100 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 £186.91)
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£186.91 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.7%) — 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 Glenburgie?
Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Glenburgie 23 Year Old 2000 (cask 3644) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)