Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
DistilleryGlen SpeyBenrinnes
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%46%
Age21 yr24 yr
Price£133.99£117.35
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner60/100
Value43/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is better value at £117 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
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £117.35)

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£117.35 vs £133.99)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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 Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaHoney

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricOld Wood

Only Benrinnes 24 Year Old 1988 (cask 2835) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Malt ExtractToastedDried Fruit

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