Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter 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 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
North British
£204
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | North British |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 55.9% | 57.2% |
| Age | 17 yr | 50 yr |
| Price | £250 | £203.76 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) is better value at £204 vs £250.
For beginners: North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing) 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 widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £203.76)
North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£203.76 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (50 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
- −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 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter 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 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 9930) - The Sovereign (Hunter Laing)