Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)

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

Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)
DistilleryCaol IlaTullibardine
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%47.6%
Age17 yr28 yr
Price£250£184.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%) is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%) is more approachable (70/100 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 £184.95)

Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£184.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • 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 Tullibardine?

Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%) 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

Honey

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

CitricFresh FruitMalt Extract

Only Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)

Old WoodDried FruitSherriedTobacco

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