Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Bowmore 12 Years Old - Open Day 2010

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Bowmore 12 Years Old - Open Day 2010
DistilleryGlen SpeyBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£133.99£99.99
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bowmore 12 Years Old - Open Day 2010

Smoke65/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 12 Years Old - Open Day 2010

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bowmore 12 Years Old - Open Day 2010 is better value at £100 vs £134.

For beginners: Bowmore 12 Years Old - Open Day 2010 is more approachable (65/100 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 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £99.99)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 12 Years Old - Open Day 2010

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£99.99 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 Bowmore?

Bowmore 12 Years Old - Open Day 2010 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Bowmore 12 Years Old - Open Day 2010

SmokeyKipperyOilyDried FruitLeathery

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