Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Grant's Castle Grant / 21 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Grant's Castle Grant / 21 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
DistilleryCaol IlaGrant'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

Grant's Castle Grant / 21 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Grant's Castle Grant / 21 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Grant's Castle Grant / 21 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Grant's Castle Grant / 21 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (85/100 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

Grant's Castle Grant / 21 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Grant's?

Grant's Castle Grant / 21 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Honey

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

CitricFresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Grant's Castle Grant / 21 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky

VanillaToastedOld Wood

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