SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky vs Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Balmenach
£750

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£499
| SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky | Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | Glenfiddich |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £750 | £499 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
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).
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −More expensive (£750 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
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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 SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve