Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street
DistilleryCaol IlaJameson
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV55.9%55.3%
Age17 yr18 yr
Price£250£199.99
Rating5.00/5

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

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value20/100

Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street is better value at £200 vs £250.

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 widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199.99)

Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199.99 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Jameson?

Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street 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)

CitricFresh FruitHoneyMalt Extract

Only Jameson 18 Year Old Bow Street

SherriedVanillaCooked FruitToastedOld Wood

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