Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Ardbeg Ardcore / Ardbeg Day 2022 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Ardbeg Ardcore / Ardbeg Day 2022 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryGlen SpeyArdbeg
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£133.99£120
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ardbeg Ardcore / Ardbeg Day 2022 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke63/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg Ardcore / Ardbeg Day 2022 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ardbeg Ardcore / Ardbeg Day 2022 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is better value at £120 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
  • +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 £120)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardbeg Ardcore / Ardbeg Day 2022 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£120 vs £133.99)

Cons

  • 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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg Ardcore / Ardbeg Day 2022 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Ardbeg Ardcore / Ardbeg Day 2022 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokeyToastedChocolateCoal-gasVegetative

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