Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Bowmore 21 Year Old - Badly Drawn Dogs

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Bowmore 21 Year Old - Badly Drawn Dogs
DistilleryGlen SpeyBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%45%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£133.99£99
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old - Badly Drawn Dogs

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 21 Year Old - Badly Drawn Dogs

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Bowmore 21 Year Old - Badly Drawn Dogs 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £99)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 21 Year Old - Badly Drawn Dogs

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£99 vs £133.99)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old - Badly Drawn Dogs suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old - Badly Drawn Dogs

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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