Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Williamson 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 9018) - 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)Williamson 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 9018) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)
DistilleryGlen SpeyThe Vintage Malt Whisky Company
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50.4%51%
Age21 yr14 yr
Price£133.99£98.28
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Williamson 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 9018) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Williamson 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 9018) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Williamson 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 9018) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is better value at £98 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 £98.28)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Williamson 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 9018) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£98.28 vs £133.99)

Cons

  • High ABV (51%) — may need water
  • 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 Williamson?

Williamson 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 9018) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Williamson 14 Year Old 2005 (cask 9018) - The Cooper's Choice (The Vintage Malt Whisky Co.)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOilyToasted

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