Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs The XXX Blend - Batch 1
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 XXX Blend - Batch 1
The Blended Whisky Company
★ 5.00
£200
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | The XXX Blend - Batch 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | The Blended Whisky Company |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 55.9% | 42.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
The XXX Blend - Batch 1
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
The XXX Blend - Batch 1
Quick verdict
The XXX Blend - Batch 1 is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: The XXX Blend - Batch 1 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
The XXX Blend - Batch 1
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
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 XXX Blend - Batch 1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only The XXX Blend - Batch 1