Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich
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
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich
Johnnie Walker
£399
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Johnnie Walker |
| Region | Islay | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 55.9% | 43.8% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich
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 £399.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich 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 affordable (£250 vs £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 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 Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich 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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Johnnie Walker Blue Label - Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich