Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
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 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Caol Ila
£180
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 52.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £180 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
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 £180.
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 £180)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£180 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 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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)
Only Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1991 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)