Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Glenalba 34 Year Old 1981 Sherry Cask Finish

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Glenalba 34 Year Old 1981 Sherry Cask Finish
DistilleryGlen SpeyGlenalba
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yr34 yr
Price£133.99£199
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Glenalba 34 Year Old 1981 Sherry Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenalba 34 Year Old 1981 Sherry Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £199.

For beginners: Glenalba 34 Year Old 1981 Sherry Cask Finish is more approachable (70/100 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)
  • +More affordable (£133.99 vs £199)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water

Glenalba 34 Year Old 1981 Sherry Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (34 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £133.99)
  • 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 Glenalba?

Glenalba 34 Year Old 1981 Sherry Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

Only Glenalba 34 Year Old 1981 Sherry Cask Finish

SherriedChocolateDried Fruit

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