Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Hakushu 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

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

Glenfarclas 40 Year OldHakushu 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition
DistilleryGlenfarclasHakushu
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%48%
Age40 yr18 yr
Price£1275£1175
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

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

Hakushu 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value4/100

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hakushu 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hakushu 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition is better value at £1175 vs £1275.

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
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 18 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£1275 vs £1175)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Hakushu 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1175 vs £1275)

Cons

  • 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 Hakushu?

Hakushu 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodHoneyDried FruitChocolate

Only Hakushu 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

SmokeyVegetativeLeafyGreen-HouseCitric

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