Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Spey
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.3%50.4%
Age11 yr21 yr
Price£99.5£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

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).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024) is better value at £100 vs £134.

For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£99.5 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £99.5)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024) 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 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

Fresh FruitCitricHoney

Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

Nutty

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

VanillaOld Wood

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