Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry OakGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryBowmoreGlen Spey
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%50.4%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£163.95£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak

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 £164.

For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£163.95 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 £163.95)

Cons

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

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Bowmore 18 Year Old Sherry Oak

SmokeySherriedChocolateDried Fruit

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

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