Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Talisker 18 Year Old
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
Talisker 18 Year Old
Talisker
★ 4.16
£208
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Talisker 18 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Talisker |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 45.8% |
| Age | 17 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £207.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.16/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Talisker 18 Year Old
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Talisker 18 Year Old
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.16).
Talisker 18 Year Old is better value at £208 vs £250.
For beginners: Talisker 18 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £207.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Talisker 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£207.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.2 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 Talisker?
Talisker 18 Year Old 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 Talisker 18 Year Old