Bowmore 12 Year Old - Pre 2007 vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bowmore 12 Year Old - Pre 2007Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryBowmoreGlen Spey
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%50.4%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£199£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 12 Year Old - Pre 2007

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bowmore 12 Year Old - Pre 2007

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 £199.

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

Bowmore 12 Year Old - Pre 2007

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £133.99)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £199)

Cons

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

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 12 Year Old - Pre 2007 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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

Only Bowmore 12 Year Old - Pre 2007

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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