Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Balblair 1990 Islay Cask 1466 (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Balblair 1990 Islay Cask 1466 (Master of Malt)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£125
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Balblair 1990 Islay Cask 1466 (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Balblair |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 50.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £124.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Balblair 1990 Islay Cask 1466 (Master of Malt)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Balblair 1990 Islay Cask 1466 (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Balblair 1990 Islay Cask 1466 (Master of Malt) is better value at £125 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
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £124.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Balblair 1990 Islay Cask 1466 (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£124.95 vs £133.99)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
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 Balblair?
Balblair 1990 Islay Cask 1466 (Master of Malt) 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)
Only Balblair 1990 Islay Cask 1466 (Master of Malt)