Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath 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 - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Midleton
£270
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath 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% | 56.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £270 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £270.
For beginners: Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £270)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£270 vs £250)
- −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 Midleton?
Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Midleton Dair Ghaelach - Knockrath Forest Tree 5 (Virgin Irish Oak Collection)