Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) vs WhistlePig 15 Year Old
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
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
WhistlePig
★ 5.00
£230
| Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) | WhistlePig 15 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | WhistlePig |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Rye |
| ABV | 59.8% | 46% |
| Age | 18 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £199 | £229.99 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Quick verdict
WhistlePig 15 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017) is better value at £199 vs £230.
For beginners: WhistlePig 15 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £229.99)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 15 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.2 vs 5.0)
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£229.99 vs £199)
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 WhistlePig?
WhistlePig 15 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.
Tasting notes
Only Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Only WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Where to buy
Caol Ila 18 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
WhistlePig 15 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange