Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£218
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing) | 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 | 59.4% | 50.4% |
| Age | 30 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £217.8 | £133.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £218.
For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£217.8 vs £133.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£133.99 vs £217.8)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing) 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 30 Year Old 1980 - Old & Rare (Douglas Laing)
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)