Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Blair Athol 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Blair Athol 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
DistilleryGlen SpeyBlair Athol
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%49.4%
Age21 yr14 yr
Price£133.99£109.95
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Blair Athol 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Blair Athol 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Blair Athol 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £110 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 £109.95)

Blair Athol 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£109.95 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 Blair?

Blair Athol 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) 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 Blair Athol 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SherriedDried FruitNuttyMalt ExtractChocolate

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