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)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134

Ballantine's 21 Year Old
Ballantine's
★ 2.33
£100
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Ballantine's 21 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Ballantine's |
| Region | Speyside | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 50.4% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £99.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 2.33/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ballantine's 21 Year Old
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ballantine's 21 Year Old
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
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Ballantine's 21 Year Old