Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£100
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 45% |
| Age | 21 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £100 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 13 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £100)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£100 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 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)