Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Glen Spey 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Spey
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%49.7%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£139.95£119.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value36/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner55/100
Value42/100

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £120 vs £140.

For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £119.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£119.95 vs £139.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 30 Year Old - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

HoneyMalt ExtractVanillaToastedSherried

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