Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength / Batch 011 / Bot.2019 Islay Whisky

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength / Batch 011 / Bot.2019 Islay Whisky
DistilleryGlen SpeyLaphroaig
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£133.99£125
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength / Batch 011 / Bot.2019 Islay Whisky

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength / Batch 011 / Bot.2019 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength / Batch 011 / Bot.2019 Islay Whisky is better value at £125 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £125)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength / Batch 011 / Bot.2019 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £133.99)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength / Batch 011 / Bot.2019 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength / Batch 011 / Bot.2019 Islay Whisky

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKipperyLeathery

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