Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
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 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
Glenburgie
£188
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenburgie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 46% |
| Age | 17 yr | 29 yr |
| Price | £250 | £187.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd is better value at £188 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd is more approachable (60/100 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 £187.5)
Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
Pros
- +More affordable (£187.5 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 Glenburgie?
Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd