Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Cooley 10 Year Old 1999 (cask 881) - Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Cooley 10 Year Old 1999 (cask 881) - Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)
DistilleryGlen SpeyCooley
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%59.3%
Age21 yr10 yr
Price£133.99£99.95
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Cooley 10 Year Old 1999 (cask 881) - Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cooley 10 Year Old 1999 (cask 881) - Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Cooley 10 Year Old 1999 (cask 881) - Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray) is better value at £100 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 10 years)

Cons

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

Cooley 10 Year Old 1999 (cask 881) - Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (59.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Cooley?

Cooley 10 Year Old 1999 (cask 881) - Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray) 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)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Cooley 10 Year Old 1999 (cask 881) - Cask Collection (A.D. Rattray)

SmokeyMedicinalHay-likeToasted

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