Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£100
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | 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 | 45% | 50.4% |
| Age | 13 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £100 | £133.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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).
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£100 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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 13 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £100)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2009 (batch 22/029) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)