Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Bell's
★ 5.00
£100
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Bell's |
| Region | Speyside | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 50.4% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £99.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Quick verdict
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s is better value at £100 vs £134.
For beginners: Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £99.99)
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£99.99 vs £133.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
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 Bell’s?
Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s