Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
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
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.07
£275
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Old Rip Van Winkle |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 55.9% | 45.2% |
| Age | 17 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £275 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.07/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.07).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £275.
For beginners: Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 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 £275)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 17 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£275 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (4.1 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 Pappy?
Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old