Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Glenfarclas
★ 5.00
£633
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£500
| Glenfarclas 30 Year Old | Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 30 yr | NAS |
| Price | £632.95 | £500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky is better value at £500 vs £633.
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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£632.95 vs £500)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£500 vs £632.95)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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 Caol?
Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay 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
Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 1981 / 21 Year Old / First Cask #280 Islay Whisky