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)Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd
DistilleryCaol IlaGlenburgie
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%46%
Age17 yr29 yr
Price£250£187.5
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

CitricFresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

Only Glenburgie 29 Year Old 1989 (cask 14087) - Berry Bros. & Rudd

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitToastedTobacco

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