Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 517 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 517 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryGlen SpeyPort Ellen
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%59%
Age21 yr27 yr
Price£133.99£163.95
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 517 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 517 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £164.

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 affordable (£133.99 vs £163.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 517 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (59%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£163.95 vs £133.99)
  • 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 Port?

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 517 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1983 Cask 517 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOilyCoal-gas

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