Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Caol Ila 2007 / 13 Year Old / The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Caol Ila 2007 / 13 Year Old / The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky
DistilleryGlen SpeyCaol Ila
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£133.99£99.95
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 2007 / 13 Year Old / The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 2007 / 13 Year Old / The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 2007 / 13 Year Old / The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky is better value at £100 vs £134.

For beginners: Caol Ila 2007 / 13 Year Old / The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky is more approachable (65/100 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £99.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 2007 / 13 Year Old / The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£99.95 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 2007 / 13 Year Old / The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Citric

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 2007 / 13 Year Old / The Whisky Exchange Islay Whisky

SmokeyCooked FruitVegetative

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