Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve vs Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£499
Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila
£825
| Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve | Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfiddich | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 48% |
| Age | 21 yr | 45 yr |
| Price | £499 | £824.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
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 £825.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
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
Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (45 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£824.95 vs £499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
Only Caol Ila 45 Year Old 1979 (cask 7711) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)