Bowmore 18 Year Old - Pre 2025 vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 18 Year Old - Pre 2025
Bowmore
£117
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Bowmore 18 Year Old - Pre 2025 | Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Glen Spey |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 50.4% |
| Age | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £116.5 | £133.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 18 Year Old - Pre 2025
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Bowmore 18 Year Old - Pre 2025
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bowmore 18 Year Old - Pre 2025 is better value at £117 vs £134.
For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old - Pre 2025 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 18 Year Old - Pre 2025
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£116.5 vs £133.99)
Cons
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £116.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old - Pre 2025 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 18 Year Old - Pre 2025
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)