Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Tomatin 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/015) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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
Tomatin 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/015) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Tomatin
£264
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Tomatin 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/015) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Tomatin |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 50.1% |
| Age | 17 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £250 | £264.17 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Tomatin 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/015) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Tomatin 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/015) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is better value at £250 vs £264.
For beginners: Tomatin 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/015) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £264.17)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
Tomatin 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/015) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 17 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£264.17 vs £250)
- −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 Tomatin?
Tomatin 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/015) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Tomatin 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/015) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)