Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana ReserveLaphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
DistilleryGlenfiddichLaphroaig
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%48.9%
Age21 yr25 yr
Price£499£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value10/100

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is better value at £399 vs £499.

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

Cons

  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

HoneyVanillaCooked FruitTobacco

Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyOily

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