Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11942) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11942) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
DistilleryGlen SpeyBruichladdich
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.4%50%
Age21 yr9 yr
Price£133.99£152.95
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

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

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11942) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11942) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

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 £153.

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 £152.95)

Cons

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

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11942) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£152.95 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 Port?

Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11942) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only Port Charlotte 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11942) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalDried Fruit

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