Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)
Caol Ila
£150

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007) | 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 | 64.9% | 50.4% |
| Age | 8 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £150 | £133.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)
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).
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £150.
For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (64.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£150 vs £133.99)
- −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)
- +More affordable (£133.99 vs £150)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007) 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1998 Unpeated (Special Release 2007)
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)