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)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250

Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)
Kavalan
£299
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Kavalan |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Taiwan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 58.6% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)
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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask Matured (cask S100421040A)