Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Glenfarclas
★ 5.00
£1275
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£1999
| Glenfarclas 40 Year Old | Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 52% |
| Age | 40 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1275 | £1999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is better value at £1275 vs £1999.
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 £1999)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1275)
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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) 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 Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Where to buy
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange