Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£198
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 48.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £197.65 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £198.
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
- +More affordable (£133.99 vs £197.65)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£197.65 vs £133.99)
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 Octomore?
Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Octomore 8 Year Old 2011 (cask 13327) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)