Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Caol Ila
£174
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | 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 | 54.2% | 50.4% |
| Age | 13 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £173.74 | £133.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
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 £174.
For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£173.74 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 £173.74)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 13 Year Old 2008 (cask 4031313) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)