Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1994 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1994 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Ardbeg
£123
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1994 - Mission (Murray McDavid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Ardbeg |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 56.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £122.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1994 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1994 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1994 - Mission (Murray McDavid) is better value at £123 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 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £122.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1994 - Mission (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£122.95 vs £133.99)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — 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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1994 - Mission (Murray McDavid) 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 Ardbeg 17 Year Old 1994 - Mission (Murray McDavid)