Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Port Dundas 31 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Port Dundas 31 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)
DistilleryCaol IlaPort Dundas
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV55.9%51.3%
Age17 yr31 yr
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value20/100

Port Dundas 31 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Dundas 31 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Dundas 31 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Port Dundas 31 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (45/100 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 £199)

Port Dundas 31 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.3%) — 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 Port?

Port Dundas 31 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Malt Extract

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

CitricFresh FruitHoney

Only Port Dundas 31 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)

NuttyOilyHay-likeYeasty

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