Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryGlen SpeyAuchroisk
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%54.6%
Age21 yr23 yr
Price£133.99£117.29
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) is better value at £117 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £117.29)

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£117.29 vs £133.99)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Auchroisk?

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) 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 FruitVanillaHoney

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

CitricOld Wood

Only Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Malt ExtractToasted

Explore more