Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
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
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Midleton
★ 5.00
£186
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Midleton |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Pot Still |
| ABV | 55.9% | 56.3% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £185.86 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Quick verdict
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is better value at £186 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
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £185.86)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£185.86 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.3%) — may need water
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 Midleton?
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) 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 Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Bluebell Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)