Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Arran 18 Year Old

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Arran 18 Year Old
DistilleryGlen SpeyArran
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%46%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£133.99£99.99
Rating5.00/53.80/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Arran 18 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner65/100
Value38/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Arran 18 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.80).

Arran 18 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £134.

For beginners: Arran 18 Year Old is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £99.99)

Arran 18 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£99.99 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.8 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 Arran?

Arran 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

CitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Arran 18 Year Old

SherriedCooked FruitToasted

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