Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve vs Laphroaig 27 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)

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

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana ReserveLaphroaig 27 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)
DistilleryGlenfiddichLaphroaig
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%51.2%
Age21 yr27 yr
Price£499£749.95
Rating5.00/5

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

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

Laphroaig 27 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 27 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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).

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

Laphroaig 27 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£749.95 vs £499)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 27 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

SherriedHoneyVanillaCooked FruitTobacco

Only Laphroaig 27 Year Old - Director's Special (The Single Malts of Scotland)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyOld WoodLeathery

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