Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) vs Jameson 4.5L
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) | Jameson 4.5L | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Jameson |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 59.8% | 40% |
| Age | 18 yr | NAS |
| Price | £199 | £169.5 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Jameson 4.5L
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Jameson 4.5L
Quick verdict
Jameson 4.5L is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).
Jameson 4.5L is better value at £170 vs £199.
For beginners: Jameson 4.5L is more approachable (70/100 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 £169.5)
- −Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
Jameson 4.5L
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£169.5 vs £199)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
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 Jameson?
Jameson 4.5L 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 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Only Jameson 4.5L