Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£180
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 62.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 5 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £179.93 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £180.
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
- +More affordable (£133.99 vs £179.93)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 5 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (62.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£179.93 vs £133.99)
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 Octomore?
Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley 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
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Octomore 12.3 5 Year Old - Islay Barley