Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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

Glenfarclas 40 Year OldClynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
DistilleryGlenfarclasClynelish
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£1275£1750
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value4/100

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is better value at £1275 vs £1750.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£1750 vs £1275)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old 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 Clynelish?

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch 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 Wood

Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SherriedHoneyDried FruitChocolate

Only Clynelish 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

LeatherySmokeyToastedOily

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