Caol Ila 18 Year Old vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 18 Year Old
Caol Ila
★ 4.72
£99
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Caol Ila 18 Year Old | 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 | 43% | 50.4% |
| Age | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £98.94 | £133.99 |
| Rating | 4.72/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 18 Year Old
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 18 Year Old
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.72).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old is better value at £99 vs £134.
For beginners: Caol Ila 18 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£98.94 vs £133.99)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £98.94)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 18 Year Old 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 18 Year Old
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)