Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
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
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Glen Keith
£297
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glen Keith |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 43.3% |
| Age | 17 yr | 36 yr |
| Price | £250 | £297 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £297.
For beginners: Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £297)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (36 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£297 vs £250)
- −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 Glenisla?
Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Glenisla 36 Year Old 1977 (cask 19603) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)