Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s
DistilleryCaol IlaGordon's
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV55.9%40%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£250
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s is more approachable (65/100 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

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Gordons?

Gordons Gin / Bot.1950s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Citric

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

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

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