Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask
DistilleryCaol IlaTobermory
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%54%
Age17 yr24 yr
Price£250£211.95
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value20/100

Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness85/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask is better value at £212 vs £250.

For beginners: Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask is more approachable (60/100 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 £211.95)

Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£211.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 17 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — 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 Tobermory?

Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask 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

Both taste of

CitricHoney

Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Fresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Tobermory 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 329) - The Single Cask

Old WoodLeathery

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