Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 4.00
£98
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glen Spey |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48.4% | 50.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £97.55 | £133.99 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £98 vs £134.
For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£97.55 vs £133.99)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £97.55)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 (cask 16987) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)