Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Glentauchers 29 Year Old 1995 (cask 5075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Glentauchers 29 Year Old 1995 (cask 5075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlentauchers
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%56.7%
Age17 yr29 yr
Price£250£284.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glentauchers 29 Year Old 1995 (cask 5075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glentauchers 29 Year Old 1995 (cask 5075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £285.

For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (35/100 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 £284.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water

Glentauchers 29 Year Old 1995 (cask 5075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£284.95 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 Glentauchers?

Glentauchers 29 Year Old 1995 (cask 5075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

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

CitricFresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Glentauchers 29 Year Old 1995 (cask 5075) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodToasted

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