Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish
Benriach
★ 5.00
£99
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Benriach |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 53.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £98.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish
Quick verdict
Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish is better value at £99 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 20 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £98.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£98.95 vs £133.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
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 Benriach?
Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish 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 Benriach 20 Year Old 1994 (cask 5626) Peated, Madeira Cask Finish