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)Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryArdmoreGlen Spey
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.3%50.4%
Age19 yr21 yr
Price£179.95£133.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value28/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Old Wood

Only Ardmore 19 Year Old Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish (Darkness)

SherriedChocolateDried FruitSmokey

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

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