Ardbeg 23 Year Old 1974 - Signatory vs Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 23 Year Old 1974 - Signatory
Ardbeg
£750
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£499
| Ardbeg 23 Year Old 1974 - Signatory | Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 23 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £750 | £499 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 23 Year Old 1974 - Signatory
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Ardbeg 23 Year Old 1974 - Signatory
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
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 £750.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 23 Year Old 1974 - Signatory
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£750 vs £499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 23 Year Old 1974 - Signatory suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
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 Ardbeg 23 Year Old 1974 - Signatory
Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve