Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Balmenach 21 Year Old 1979 - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Balmenach 21 Year Old 1979 - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)
DistilleryGlen SpeyBalmenach
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%50%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£133.99£98.89
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Balmenach 21 Year Old 1979 - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Balmenach 21 Year Old 1979 - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Balmenach 21 Year Old 1979 - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard) is better value at £99 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 £98.89)

Balmenach 21 Year Old 1979 - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£98.89 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Balmenach?

Balmenach 21 Year Old 1979 - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Balmenach 21 Year Old 1979 - Jewels of Scotland (Lombard)

SherriedDried FruitNuttyChocolateCooked Fruit

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