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 Reserve
Glenfiddich
★ 5.00
£499

SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Balmenach
£750
| Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve | SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfiddich | Balmenach |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £499 | £750 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old - Havana Reserve
SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky
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
Only SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky