Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland
DistilleryCaol IlaThe Glenlivet
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%46%
Age17 yr19 yr
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland 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 £199)

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (19 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 Glenlivet?

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland 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

Honey

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

CitricFresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland

SherriedVanillaDried FruitToasted

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