Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 312778) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 312778) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£123
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 312778) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 57.9% |
| Age | 21 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £123.37 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 312778) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 312778) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 312778) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £123 vs £134.
For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
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 15 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £123.37)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 312778) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£123.37 vs £133.99)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 312778) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Caol Ila 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 312778) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)