Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017 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 - Fèis Ìle 2017Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Spey
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.8%50.4%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£199£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

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).

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £199.

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199 vs £133.99)
  • 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 affordable (£133.99 vs £199)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017 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

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2017

SmokeySherriedMedicinalOilyDried Fruit

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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