Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2011 (cask 900056) - Fadandel vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2011 (cask 900056) - FadandelGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Spey
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV60%50.4%
Age7 yr21 yr
Price£98.74£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2011 (cask 900056) - Fadandel

Smoke64/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner60/100
Value37/100

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2011 (cask 900056) - Fadandel

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2011 (cask 900056) - Fadandel is better value at £99 vs £134.

For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2011 (cask 900056) - Fadandel

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£98.74 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 7 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £98.74)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2011 (cask 900056) - Fadandel 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.

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) 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

VanillaHoney

Only Caol Ila 7 Year Old 2011 (cask 900056) - Fadandel

SmokeyCooked FruitOily

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricOld Wood

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