Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (51.5% ABV)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134
Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (51.5% ABV)
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£175
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (51.5% ABV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.4% | 51.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £133.99 | £174.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (51.5% ABV)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (51.5% ABV)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is better value at £134 vs £175.
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
- +More affordable (£133.99 vs £174.95)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (51.5% ABV)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£174.95 vs £133.99)
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 Port?
Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (51.5% ABV) 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 (Special Release 2010)
Only Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (51.5% ABV)