Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
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
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Strathisla
£195
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 55.8% |
| Age | 17 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £250 | £194.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 13 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £194.95)
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +More affordable (£194.95 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.8%) — 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 Strathisla?
Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) 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
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)