Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Pre 2020

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Pre 2020
DistilleryGlen SpeyNikka
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50.4%43%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£133.99£99.99
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Pre 2020

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Pre 2020

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Pre 2020 is better value at £100 vs £134.

For beginners: Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Pre 2020 is more approachable (65/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £99.99)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Pre 2020

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£99.99 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 Nikka?

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Pre 2020 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt - Pre 2020

SherriedSmokeyDried FruitNutty

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