Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

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

Glenfarclas 30 Year OldSMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky
DistilleryGlenfarclasNorth Port (Brechin)
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age30 yrNAS
Price£632.95£850
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value8/100

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is better value at £633 vs £850.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£632.95 vs £850)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£850 vs £632.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodTobacco

Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only SMWS 74.5 (North Port Brechin)/ 1976 / 23 Year Old /Oily Hands and Steam Trains Highland Whisky

OilySmokey

Explore more