Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
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
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Springbank
★ 5.00
£299
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 56.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
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 Springbank?
Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release) 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 Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 15 (2017 Release)