Glen Spey 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryGlen SpeyTobermory
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.7%51.7%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£119.95£89.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner55/100
Value42/100

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner35/100
Value56/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £90 vs £120.

For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Glen Spey 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£119.95 vs £89.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £119.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Spey 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old 1997 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateToastedOld Wood

Only Ledaig 18 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

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