Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Blackwater Turf Smoked Peat Return of Dragon PMD II / 5 Year Old

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Blackwater Turf Smoked Peat Return of Dragon PMD II / 5 Year Old
DistilleryGlen SpeyBlackwater
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle MaltIrish
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£133.99£108
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Blackwater Turf Smoked Peat Return of Dragon PMD II / 5 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Blackwater Turf Smoked Peat Return of Dragon PMD II / 5 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Blackwater Turf Smoked Peat Return of Dragon PMD II / 5 Year Old is better value at £108 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 £108)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Blackwater Turf Smoked Peat Return of Dragon PMD II / 5 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£108 vs £133.99)

Cons

  • 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 Blackwater?

Blackwater Turf Smoked Peat Return of Dragon PMD II / 5 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Irish character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Blackwater Turf Smoked Peat Return of Dragon PMD II / 5 Year Old

SmokeyCooked FruitMalt ExtractToastedOily

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