Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Highland Park 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 10518) (Adelphi)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Highland Park 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 10518) (Adelphi)
DistilleryGlen SpeyHighland Park
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%47.9%
Age21 yr23 yr
Price£133.99£97.96
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 10518) (Adelphi)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 10518) (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 10518) (Adelphi) is better value at £98 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 £97.96)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 10518) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£97.96 vs £133.99)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Highland?

Highland Park 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 10518) (Adelphi) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

Only Highland Park 23 Year Old 1989 (cask 10518) (Adelphi)

SmokeyToastedLeathery

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