Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
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 Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
Kavalan
£200
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%) 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 £199.95)
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.6%) — 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 Kavalan?
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%) 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)
Only Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)