Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)
Adelphi
£110
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
| Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi) | Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Adelphi | Glen Spey |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.9% | 50.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £110 | £133.99 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)
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).
Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi) is better value at £110 vs £134.
For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£110 vs £133.99)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.9%) — may need water
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £110)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Breath?
Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi) 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
Only Breath of Islay 12 Year Old 2010 (Adelphi)
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)