Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
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
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
Lagavulin
£199
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 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)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky