Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
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

The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
GlenDronach
★ 5.00
£299
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | GlenDronach |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 46% |
| 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)
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish is more approachable (60/100 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −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 The?
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
Where to buy
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old - Sauternes Cask Finish
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange