Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980sGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryBell'sGlen Spey
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%50.4%
Age20 yr21 yr
Price£99.99£133.99
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner75/100
Value50/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s is better value at £100 vs £134.

For beginners: Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£99.99 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £99.99)

Who should buy Bell’s?

Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch 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 WoodVanilla

Only Bell’s 20 Year Old Royal Reserve - 1980s

SherriedToastedDried Fruit

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricHoney

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