Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition) vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryCompass BoxGlen Spey
RegionOther ScotchSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.9%50.4%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£119.75£133.99
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value33/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)

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 4.00).

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition) is better value at £120 vs £134.

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

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£119.75 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 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)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £119.75)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Compass?

Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch 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 Compass Box Flaming Heart (2018 Edition)

SmokeyToastedLeatheryOilyDried Fruit

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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