Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Glenfarclas
★ 5.00
£1275
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£1500
| Glenfarclas 40 Year Old | Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 51.2% |
| Age | 40 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £1275 | £1500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is better value at £1275 vs £1500.
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
- +More affordable (£1275 vs £1500)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £1275)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Caol?
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Only Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)