Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay WhiskyGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryBowmoreGlen Spey
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%50.4%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£217£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky

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 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky

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 £217.

For beginners: Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky

Pros

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£217 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 £217)

Cons

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

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

Citric

Only Bowmore 2004 / 21 Year Old / Oloroso Finish / Single Cask Nation Islay Whisky

SherriedSmokeyCooked FruitChocolate

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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