Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
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 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
GlenDronach
£180
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | GlenDronach |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 55.1% |
| Age | 17 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038) is better value at £180 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £179.95)
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)
Pros
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — 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 The?
The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038) 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 The GlenDronach 22 Year Old 1995 (cask 4038)