Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe CaskGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryBallechinGlen Spey
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%50.4%
Age20 yr21 yr
Price£187.57£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £188.

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

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£187.57 vs £133.99)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£133.99 vs £187.57)

Cons

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

Who should buy Ballechin?

Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Ballechin 20 Year Old 2004 (cask 347) - Port Pipe Cask

SmokeySherriedDried FruitLeathery

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

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