Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Duncan Taylor
£97
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 52.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £97.24 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £97 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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £97.24)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£97.24 vs £133.99)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.3%) — may need water
- −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 Islay?
Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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
Both taste of
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810047) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)