Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Ardmore 12 Year Old 1986 – 100th Anniversary

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Ardmore 12 Year Old 1986 – 100th Anniversary
DistilleryGlen SpeyArdmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£133.99£160
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1986 – 100th Anniversary

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1986 – 100th Anniversary

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 £160.

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)
  • +More affordable (£133.99 vs £160)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1986 – 100th Anniversary

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£160 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 Ardmore?

Ardmore 12 Year Old 1986 – 100th Anniversary 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 Ardmore 12 Year Old 1986 – 100th Anniversary

SmokeyMalt ExtractToastedDried Fruit

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