Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - 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
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Clynelish
★ 5.00
£100
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Clynelish |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 48.6% |
| Age | 21 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £99.88 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £100 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
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £99.88)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£99.88 vs £133.99)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −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 Clynelish?
Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Clynelish 23 Year Old 1988 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)