Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Ledaig 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 285) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Ledaig 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 285) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryGlen SpeyTobermory
RegionSpeysideIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%58.4%
Age21 yr20 yr
Price£133.99£169.94
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Ledaig 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 285) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 285) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 £170.

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 affordable (£133.99 vs £169.94)

Cons

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

Ledaig 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 285) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£169.94 vs £133.99)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Ledaig?

Ledaig 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 285) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoney

Only Ledaig 20 Year Old 2001 (cask 285) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokeySherriedLeatheryChocolate

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