Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glenkinchie 20 Year Old 1987 (cask 2839) - First Cask
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
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old 1987 (cask 2839) - First Cask
Glenkinchie
£299
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Glenkinchie 20 Year Old 1987 (cask 2839) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenkinchie |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 46% |
| Age | 17 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old 1987 (cask 2839) - First Cask
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old 1987 (cask 2839) - First Cask
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 £299.
For beginners: Glenkinchie 20 Year Old 1987 (cask 2839) - First Cask 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 affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old 1987 (cask 2839) - First Cask
Pros
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 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 Glenkinchie?
Glenkinchie 20 Year Old 1987 (cask 2839) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Glenkinchie 20 Year Old 1987 (cask 2839) - First Cask