Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Glenfarclas 17 Year Old

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Glenfarclas 17 Year Old
DistilleryGlen SpeyGlenfarclas
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%43%
Age21 yr17 yr
Price£133.99£128.5
Rating5.00/54.31/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Glenfarclas 17 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner70/100
Value34/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfarclas 17 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.31).

Glenfarclas 17 Year Old is better value at £129 vs £134.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 17 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £128.5)

Glenfarclas 17 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£128.5 vs £133.99)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.3 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 Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 17 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Glenfarclas 17 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitCooked Fruit

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