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)Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)
DistilleryGlen SpeyEdradour
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%55.5%
Age21 yr17 yr
Price£133.99£140.71
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner25/100
Value36/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

SmokeySherriedNuttyToastedDried Fruit

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