Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) vs George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila
★ 4.20
£199
George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)
George T. Stagg
★ 5.00
£160
| Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) | George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | George T. Stagg |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 59.8% | 69.4% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £199 | £160 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)
Quick verdict
George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).
George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release) is better value at £160 vs £199.
For beginners: Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (59.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£199 vs £160)
- −Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£160 vs £199)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (69.4%) — may need water
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) 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 George?
George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release) 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 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Only George T. Stagg Bourbon (2022 Release)