Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
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
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
Westertower Blending Company
£216
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Westertower Blending Company |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | The Netherlands |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 55.9% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £216 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s is better value at £216 vs £250.
For beginners: Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s 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 £216)
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£216 vs £250)
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 Westertower's?
Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Westertower's Always Mellow - 1960s