Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Ardmore
★ 5.00
£180

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) | Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardmore | Glen Spey |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.3% | 50.4% |
| Age | 19 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £179.95 | £133.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £180.
For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£179.95 vs £133.99)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£133.99 vs £179.95)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 19 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardmore?
Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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
Both taste of
Only Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)