Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Bruichladdich 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Bruichladdich 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)
DistilleryGlen SpeyBruichladdich
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%48.5%
Age21 yr11 yr
Price£133.99£114.89
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bruichladdich 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bruichladdich 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits) is better value at £115 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 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £114.89)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bruichladdich 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£114.89 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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits) 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 Bruichladdich 11 Year Old 2011 - Obscurities & Curiosities (North Star Spirits)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyDried Fruit

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