Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
North British
£225
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | North British |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 55.9% | 48.6% |
| Age | 17 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £250 | £225 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £225 vs £250.
For beginners: North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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)
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£225 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (33 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 North?
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)