Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Glenburgie 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12572) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Glenburgie 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12572) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryGlen SpeyGlenburgie
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%51.5%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£133.99£99.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Glenburgie 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12572) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner50/100
Value50/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenburgie 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12572) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenburgie 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12572) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £100 vs £134.

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £99.95)

Glenburgie 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12572) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£99.95 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water

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.

Who should buy Glenburgie?

Glenburgie 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12572) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

Only Glenburgie 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 12572) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SherriedDried FruitToastedNutty

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