Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Caol Ila 24 Year Old – 175th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Glenfarclas 30 Year Old | Caol Ila 24 Year Old – 175th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 52.1% |
| Age | 30 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £632.95 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Caol Ila 24 Year Old – 175th Anniversary
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Caol Ila 24 Year Old – 175th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 24 Year Old – 175th Anniversary is better value at £499 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)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 24 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£632.95 vs £499)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 24 Year Old – 175th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£499 vs £632.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 24 Year Old – 175th Anniversary suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 24 Year Old – 175th Anniversary
Where to buy
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 24 Year Old – 175th Anniversary
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange