Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryEdradourGlen Spey
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.5%50.4%
Age17 yr21 yr
Price£140.71£133.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner25/100
Value36/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

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 £141.

For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£140.71 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 £140.71)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ballechin?

Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks) 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.

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 Ballechin 17 Year Old 2004 - Edition No.36B (Whisky Sponge & Decadent Drinks)

SmokeySherriedNuttyToastedDried Fruit

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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