Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Highland Park
£280
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 57% |
| Age | 17 yr | 29 yr |
| Price | £250 | £279.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £280.
For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £279.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£279.95 vs £250)
- −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 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Highland Park 29 Year Old 1989 (batch 18/084) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)