Edradour Ballechin 19 Year Old 2004 (cask 184 & 189) Madeira Cask Small Batch vs Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Edradour Ballechin 19 Year Old 2004 (cask 184 & 189) Madeira Cask Small BatchGlen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
DistilleryBallechinGlen Spey
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.5%50.4%
Age19 yr21 yr
Price£166.15£133.99
Rating5.00/5

Edradour Ballechin 19 Year Old 2004 (cask 184 & 189) Madeira Cask Small Batch

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Edradour Ballechin 19 Year Old 2004 (cask 184 & 189) Madeira Cask Small Batch

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 £166.

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

Edradour Ballechin 19 Year Old 2004 (cask 184 & 189) Madeira Cask Small Batch

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£166.15 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 £166.15)

Cons

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

Who should buy Edradour?

Edradour Ballechin 19 Year Old 2004 (cask 184 & 189) Madeira Cask Small Batch 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 Edradour Ballechin 19 Year Old 2004 (cask 184 & 189) Madeira Cask Small Batch

SmokeySherriedChocolateToastedDried Fruit

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

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