Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old - 1990s vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old - 1990sGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryBunnahabhainGlen Spey
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%50.4%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£120£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old - 1990s

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old - 1990s

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).

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old - 1990s is better value at £120 vs £134.

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

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old - 1990s

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£120 vs £133.99)

Cons

  • 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 £120)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old - 1990s 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 Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old - 1990s

OilySmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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