Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Highland Park 18 Year Old - Pre 2017
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 18 Year Old - Pre 2017
Highland Park
£199
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Highland Park 18 Year Old - Pre 2017 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 43% |
| Age | 17 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Highland Park 18 Year Old - Pre 2017
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Highland Park 18 Year Old - Pre 2017
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 18 Year Old - Pre 2017 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Highland Park 18 Year Old - Pre 2017 is more approachable (55/100 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 18 Year Old - Pre 2017
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
- +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 Highland?
Highland Park 18 Year Old - Pre 2017 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Highland Park 18 Year Old - Pre 2017