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)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250

Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland
The Glenlivet
£199
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | The Glenlivet |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 46% |
| Age | 17 yr | 19 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland
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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Glenlivet 19 Year Old 1989 - The Single Malts of Scotland