Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Speyburn 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 701503) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Speyburn 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 701503) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryGlen SpeySpeyburn
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%48.1%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£133.99£133.34
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Speyburn 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 701503) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Speyburn 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 701503) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Speyburn 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 701503) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £133 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £133.34)

Speyburn 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 701503) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +More affordable (£133.34 vs £133.99)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Speyburn?

Speyburn 18 Year Old 2001 (cask 701503) - Mackillop's Choice suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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