Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%
DistilleryGlen SpeyThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%48.6%
Age21 yr13 yr
Price£133.99£119.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value33/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6% 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 13 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £119.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£119.95 vs £133.99)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Islay?

Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6% 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

Old Wood

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

Only Islay #3 13 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 48.6%

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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