Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo vs Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Springbank
★ 5.00
£399
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£499
| Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo | Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Glenfiddich |
| Region | Campbeltown | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.7% | 40% |
| Age | 9 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £399 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Quick verdict
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is better value at £399 vs £499.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 9 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£499 vs £399)
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo 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
Both taste of
Only Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve