Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563B) - The Single Cask vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563B) - The Single CaskGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Spey
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.8%50.4%
Age14 yr21 yr
Price£104.41£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563B) - The Single Cask

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563B) - The Single Cask

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 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563B) - The Single Cask is better value at £104 vs £134.

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563B) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£104.41 vs £133.99)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.8%) — 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 14 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £104.41)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563B) - The Single Cask 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 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 314563B) - The Single Cask

SmokeySherriedNuttyToastedOily

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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