Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
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 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Highland Park
£235
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 46% |
| Age | 17 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £234.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) is better value at £235 vs £250.
For beginners: Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release) 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
- −More expensive (£250 vs £234.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£234.5 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
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 21 Year Old (2023 Release) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Highland Park 21 Year Old (2023 Release)