Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£121
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 48.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £120.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £121 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
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £120.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£120.95 vs £133.99)
Cons
- −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 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Baltersan 1584 - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)