Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
DistilleryGlen SpeyLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£133.99£199
Rating5.00/54.17/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value21/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.17).

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £199.

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 affordable (£133.99 vs £199)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199 vs £133.99)
  • Lower community rating (4.2 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 Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019) 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

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

CitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019)

SmokeyMedicinalSandyOily

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