Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 5386) - Kingsbury
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 5386) - Kingsbury
Bunnahabhain
★ 5.00
£115
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 5386) - Kingsbury | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Bunnahabhain |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 54.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | 19 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £115.32 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 5386) - Kingsbury
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 5386) - Kingsbury
Quick verdict
Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 5386) - Kingsbury is better value at £115 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
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 19 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £115.32)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 5386) - Kingsbury
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£115.32 vs £133.99)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 5386) - Kingsbury 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 Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 1997 (cask 5386) - Kingsbury