Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)
DistilleryGlen SpeyCaol Ila
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%53%
Age21 yr13 yr
Price£133.99£125.29
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £125 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 £125.29)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£125.29 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks) 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 Caol Ila 13 Year Old V.09 & V.10 - Islay Sponge Part VI (Decadent Drinks)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitMedicinalOily

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