Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)
DistilleryGlen SpeyCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%64.9%
Age21 yr8 yr
Price£133.99£150
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £150.

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)
  • +More affordable (£133.99 vs £150)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (64.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £133.99)
  • 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 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007) 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

Both taste of

Fresh FruitCitricHoney

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

VanillaOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)

Malt ExtractYeasty

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