Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glengoyne 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Dumpy Bottle Highland Whisky

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Glengoyne 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Dumpy Bottle Highland Whisky
DistilleryCaol IlaGlengoyne
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV55.9%40%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glengoyne 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Dumpy Bottle Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glengoyne 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Dumpy Bottle Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glengoyne 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Dumpy Bottle Highland Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Glengoyne 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Dumpy Bottle Highland Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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 £199)

Glengoyne 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Dumpy Bottle Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

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 Glengoyne?

Glengoyne 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Dumpy Bottle Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyMalt Extract

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

CitricFresh Fruit

Only Glengoyne 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Dumpy Bottle Highland Whisky

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

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