Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Tomatin 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
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 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Tomatin
★ 5.00
£228
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Tomatin 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Tomatin |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 51.6% |
| Age | 17 yr | 45 yr |
| Price | £250 | £227.7 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Tomatin 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Tomatin 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Tomatin 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £228 vs £250.
For beginners: Tomatin 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 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 £227.7)
Tomatin 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£227.7 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (45 vs 17 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.6%) — may need water
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 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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 45 Year Old 1967 (cask 9315) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)