Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Ardbeg 14 Year Old Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Ardbeg 14 Year Old Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale
DistilleryGlen SpeyArdbeg
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%46%
Age21 yr14 yr
Price£133.99£123
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ardbeg 14 Year Old Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 14 Year Old Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ardbeg 14 Year Old Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale is better value at £123 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 14 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £123)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardbeg 14 Year Old Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£123 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 14 Year Old Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Ardbeg 14 Year Old Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale

SmokeySherriedDried FruitMedicinal

Explore more