Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
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
Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Mortlach
£185
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 48.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £250 | £184.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £185 vs £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 £184.95)
Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£184.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
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 Mortlach?
Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Mortlach 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)