Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Springbank - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend
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 - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend
Springbank
£199
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Springbank - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Springbank - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Springbank - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Springbank - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Springbank - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend is more approachable (60/100 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)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Springbank - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
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 Springbank?
Springbank - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Springbank - Edinburgh International Festival 2009 Blend