Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Ballantine's 21 Year Old

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Ballantine's 21 Year Old
DistilleryGlen SpeyBallantine's
RegionSpeysideOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£133.99£99.99
Rating5.00/52.33/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ballantine's 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner75/100
Value23/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ballantine's 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.33).

Ballantine's 21 Year Old is better value at £100 vs £134.

For beginners: Ballantine's 21 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 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 £99.99)

Ballantine's 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£99.99 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (2.3 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 Ballantine's?

Ballantine's 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

Only Ballantine's 21 Year Old

NuttyDried FruitSherried

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