Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Octomore 13.1 5 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Octomore 13.1 5 Year Old
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£135
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Octomore 13.1 5 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 59.2% |
| Age | 21 yr | 5 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £134.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Octomore 13.1 5 Year Old
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Octomore 13.1 5 Year Old
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £135.
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 affordable (£133.99 vs £134.95)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 5 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Octomore 13.1 5 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (59.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£134.95 vs £133.99)
- −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 Octomore?
Octomore 13.1 5 Year Old 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 Octomore 13.1 5 Year Old