Benriach 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 4051) Peated, Tawny Port Cask Finish vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Benriach 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 4051) Peated, Tawny Port Cask FinishGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryBenriachGlen Spey
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.3%50.4%
Age29 yr21 yr
Price£178.85£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Benriach 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 4051) Peated, Tawny Port Cask Finish

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Benriach 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 4051) Peated, Tawny Port Cask Finish

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 £179.

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

Benriach 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 4051) Peated, Tawny Port Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£178.85 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 £178.85)

Cons

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

Who should buy Benriach?

Benriach 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 4051) Peated, Tawny Port Cask Finish 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 Benriach 29 Year Old 1984 (cask 4051) Peated, Tawny Port Cask Finish

SmokeySherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

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