Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
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 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Mortlach
£306
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 59.4% |
| Age | 17 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £250 | £306.45 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
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 £306.
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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £306.45)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£306.45 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 Mortlach?
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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 Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts