Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
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
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£199
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Quick verdict
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
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 Glenfiddich?
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve 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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Glenfiddich 12 Year Old - Toasted Oak Reserve