Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
£700
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£499
| Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) | Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.6% | 40% |
| Age | 28 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £699.95 | £499 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
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 £700.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£699.95 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 Caol?
Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) 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 Caol Ila 28 Year Old 1979 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)
Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve