Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Cragganmore 12 Year Old - 1980s

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Cragganmore 12 Year Old - 1980s
DistilleryGlen SpeyCragganmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£133.99£120
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Cragganmore 12 Year Old - 1980s

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cragganmore 12 Year Old - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Cragganmore 12 Year Old - 1980s 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £120)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Cragganmore 12 Year Old - 1980s

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£120 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 Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 12 Year Old - 1980s 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

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Cragganmore 12 Year Old - 1980s

TobaccoLeatheryMalt ExtractSmokeyDried Fruit

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