Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
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
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Loch Lomond
£193
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Loch Lomond |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 48.6% |
| Age | 17 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £250 | £193.03 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) is better value at £193 vs £250.
For beginners: Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) 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 £193.03)
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£193.03 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (28 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 Old?
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) 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 Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange