Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch) vs Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

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

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
DistilleryPort EllenGlenfiddich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.1%40%
Age25 yr21 yr
Price£795£499
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value10/100

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is better value at £499 vs £795.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£795 vs £499)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch) 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.

Who should buy Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Only Port Ellen 25 Year Old (cask 2036) (Bladnoch)

SmokeyMedicinalOld WoodKipperyLeathery

Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

SherriedHoneyVanillaCooked FruitTobacco

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