Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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
Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Highland Park
£199
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (75/100 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)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
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 Highland?
Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt 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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Highland Park 12 Year Old / Bot.1990s Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky