Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Thomas H Handy Straight Rye (2011 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Glen Spey
★ 5.00
£134

Thomas H Handy Straight Rye (2011 Release)
Thomas H. Handy
£99
| Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) | Thomas H Handy Straight Rye (2011 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Spey | Thomas H. Handy |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Rye |
| ABV | 50.4% | 64.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £133.99 | £98.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Thomas H Handy Straight Rye (2011 Release)
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Thomas H Handy Straight Rye (2011 Release)
Quick verdict
Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Thomas H Handy Straight Rye (2011 Release) is better value at £99 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 £98.95)
Thomas H Handy Straight Rye (2011 Release)
Pros
- +More affordable (£98.95 vs £133.99)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (64.3%) — may need water
- −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 Thomas?
Thomas H Handy Straight Rye (2011 Release) 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
Both taste of
Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)
Only Thomas H Handy Straight Rye (2011 Release)