Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Port Charlotte 6.2 11 Year Old 2011 - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
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
Port Charlotte 6.2 11 Year Old 2011 - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
Bruichladdich
£272
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Port Charlotte 6.2 11 Year Old 2011 - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 60.2% |
| Age | 17 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £250 | £271.78 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Port Charlotte 6.2 11 Year Old 2011 - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Port Charlotte 6.2 11 Year Old 2011 - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
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 £272.
For beginners: Port Charlotte 6.2 11 Year Old 2011 - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool) is more approachable (40/100 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 £271.78)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 11 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Charlotte 6.2 11 Year Old 2011 - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (60.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£271.78 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 Port?
Port Charlotte 6.2 11 Year Old 2011 - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool) 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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Port Charlotte 6.2 11 Year Old 2011 - Jim McEwan Signature Collection (Dramfool)