Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Ardmore 17 Year Old 2003 (cask 801285) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2003 (cask 801285) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Ardmore
£106
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Ardmore 17 Year Old 2003 (cask 801285) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Ardmore |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 48.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £106 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2003 (cask 801285) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2003 (cask 801285) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2003 (cask 801285) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is better value at £106 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 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £106)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2003 (cask 801285) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£106 vs £133.99)
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 Ardmore?
Ardmore 17 Year Old 2003 (cask 801285) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Ardmore 17 Year Old 2003 (cask 801285) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)