Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
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
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
That Boutique-y Whisky Company
★ 3.40
£179
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | That Boutique-y Whisky Company |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 55.9% | 47.7% |
| Age | 17 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £178.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.40/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.40).
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £179 vs £250.
For beginners: Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £178.95)
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +More affordable (£178.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.4 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 Japanese?
Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Japanese Blended Whisky #1 21 Year Old - Batch 2 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)