Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 - The Distiller's Anthology 02 vs Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 - The Distiller's Anthology 02
Bowmore
£799
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£499
| Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 - The Distiller's Anthology 02 | Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.8% | 40% |
| Age | 25 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £799 | £499 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 - The Distiller's Anthology 02
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 - The Distiller's Anthology 02
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 £799.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 - The Distiller's Anthology 02
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£799 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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 - The Distiller's Anthology 02 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 Bowmore 25 Year Old 1997 - The Distiller's Anthology 02
Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve