Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese 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
Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky
Mars
£225
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Mars |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £225 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky is better value at £225 vs £250.
For beginners: Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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 £225)
Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£225 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 Mars?
Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Mars Komagatake 2017 / 7 Year Old / Yakushima Ageing / TWE Exclusive Japanese Whisky