Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Balblair 5 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Highland Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134

Balblair 5 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Highland Whisky
Balblair
£160
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Balblair 5 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Highland Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Balblair |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 50.4% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £133.99 | £160 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Balblair 5 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Highland Whisky
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Balblair 5 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Highland Whisky
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 £160.
For beginners: Balblair 5 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Highland Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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 £160)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
Balblair 5 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Highland Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£160 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 Balblair?
Balblair 5 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Balblair 5 Year Old / Bot.1980s / Litre Highland Whisky