Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Ardbeg
★ 4.00
£123
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) | Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glen Spey |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50% | 50.4% |
| Age | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £122.95 | £133.99 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is better value at £123 vs £134.
For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£122.95 vs £133.99)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 £122.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
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.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg 18 Year Old 1991 Cask 5440 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)