Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs The Matsui The Peated

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)The Matsui The Peated
DistilleryGlen SpeyKurayoshi
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%48%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£133.99£117
Rating5.00/52.50/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

The Matsui The Peated

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value21/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Matsui The Peated

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.50).

The Matsui The Peated is better value at £117 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 £117)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

The Matsui The Peated

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£117 vs £133.99)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (2.5 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 The?

The Matsui The Peated suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only The Matsui The Peated

SmokeyToastedNew WoodMedicinal

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