Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
North British
£100
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | North British |
| Region | Speyside | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 50.4% | 51.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £100 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £100 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £100)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£100 vs £133.99)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 North?
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.) 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 North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)