Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)
Edradour
★ 5.00
£141
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Edradour |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 55.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £140.71 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £141.
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
- +More affordable (£133.99 vs £140.71)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£140.71 vs £133.99)
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 Ballechin?
Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)