Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Benriach 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 4835) - Peated
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Benriach 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 4835) - Peated
Benriach
£99
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Benriach 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 4835) - Peated | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Benriach |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 59.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Benriach 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 4835) - Peated
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Benriach 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 4835) - Peated
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benriach 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 4835) - Peated is better value at £99 vs £134.
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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £99)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Benriach 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 4835) - Peated
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£99 vs £133.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.7%) — may need water
- −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 Benriach?
Benriach 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 4835) - Peated 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 Benriach 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 4835) - Peated