Black Friday 2022 (Caol Ila) 16 Year Old Islay Whisky vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Black Friday 2022 (Caol Ila) 16 Year Old Islay WhiskyGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Spey
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%50.4%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£95.75£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Black Friday 2022 (Caol Ila) 16 Year Old Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Black Friday 2022 (Caol Ila) 16 Year Old Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Black Friday 2022 (Caol Ila) 16 Year Old Islay Whisky is better value at £96 vs £134.

For beginners: Black Friday 2022 (Caol Ila) 16 Year Old Islay Whisky is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Black Friday 2022 (Caol Ila) 16 Year Old Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£95.75 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £95.75)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Black?

Black Friday 2022 (Caol Ila) 16 Year Old Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Citric

Only Black Friday 2022 (Caol Ila) 16 Year Old Islay Whisky

SmokeyCooked FruitOily

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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