Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134

Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s
Black Bottle
£99
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Black Bottle |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 50.4% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £133.99 | £99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s is better value at £99 vs £134.
For beginners: Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £99)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£99 vs £133.99)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Black?
Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Black Bottle 15 Year Old - 1980s