Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2010 (cask 105) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2010 (cask 105) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryGlen SpeyCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%56.8%
Age21 yr11 yr
Price£133.99£107.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2010 (cask 105) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner25/100
Value46/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2010 (cask 105) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2010 (cask 105) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £108 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 11 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £107.9)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2010 (cask 105) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£107.9 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.8%) — may need water

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 11 Year Old 2010 (cask 105) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 FruitCitric

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

VanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2010 (cask 105) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokeySherriedOily

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