Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)
DistilleryCaol IlaKavalan
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandTaiwan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%58.6%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £299.

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 £299)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water

Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 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 Kavalan?

Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A) 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

Both taste of

Honey

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

CitricFresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)

SherriedDried FruitCooked FruitNutty

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