Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)
DistilleryGlen SpeyCompass Box
RegionSpeysideOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50.4%48.9%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£133.99£119.75
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value33/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition) is better value at £120 vs £134.

For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 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)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £119.75)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£119.75 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 Compass?

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)

SmokeyToastedLeatheryOilyDried Fruit

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