Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Macallan The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao Speyside Whisky

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Macallan The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao Speyside Whisky
DistilleryCaol IlaMacallan
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV55.9%40%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£250£220
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Macallan The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macallan The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao Speyside Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Macallan The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao Speyside Whisky is better value at £220 vs £250.

For beginners: Macallan The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao Speyside Whisky is more approachable (85/100 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 £220)

Macallan The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£220 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Macallan?

Macallan The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao Speyside Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

CitricHoney

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

Fresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Macallan The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao Speyside Whisky

ChocolateVanillaToasted

Explore more