Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£140
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) | Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Glen Spey |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.4% | 50.4% |
| Age | 14 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £139.95 | £133.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £140.
For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.95 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 £139.95)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 14 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2005 (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 (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 Laphroaig 14 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)