Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Nikka Pure Malt Black
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Nikka Pure Malt Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Nikka |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £133.99 | £120 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.04/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Nikka Pure Malt Black
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Nikka Pure Malt Black
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.04).
Nikka Pure Malt Black is better value at £120 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)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.99 vs £120)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Nikka Pure Malt Black
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£120 vs £133.99)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 Nikka?
Nikka Pure Malt Black suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Nikka Pure Malt Black