Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Aberlour-Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Aberlour-Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky
DistilleryGlen SpeyAberlour
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£133.99£175
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Aberlour-Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aberlour-Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

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 £175.

For beginners: Aberlour-Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky is more approachable (85/100 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 £175)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water

Aberlour-Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£175 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 Aberlour-Glenlivet?

Aberlour-Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh FruitVanillaHoney

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

CitricOld Wood

Only Aberlour-Glenlivet 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Speyside Whisky

Sherried

Explore more