Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£140
Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glen Spey
£110
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glen Spey |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.4% | 54.7% |
| Age | 30 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £109.58 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £110 vs £140.
For beginners: Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 vs £109.58)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£109.58 vs £139.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Only Glen Spey 17 Year Old 2001 (batch 19/065) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)