Tobermory 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 1201) - The Single Cask vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Tobermory 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 1201) - The Single CaskGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryTobermoryGlen Spey
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.2%50.4%
Age23 yr21 yr
Price£147.95£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Tobermory 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 1201) - The Single Cask

Smoke65/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner60/100
Value37/100

Tobermory 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 1201) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £148.

For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Tobermory 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 1201) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£147.95 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 £147.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Tobermory?

Tobermory 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 1201) - The Single Cask 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 Tobermory 23 Year Old 1995 (cask 1201) - The Single Cask

SmokeyDried FruitKipperyOilyLeathery

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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