Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve vs SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky

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

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana ReserveSMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
DistilleryGlenfiddichBalmenach
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%40%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£499£750
Rating5.00/5

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

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

SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky

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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£750 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 SMWS?

SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve

SherriedHoneyVanillaCooked FruitTobacco

Only SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky

Malt ExtractYeastyToastedOld WoodNutty

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