Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Caol Ila 1983 / 42 Year Old / Gleann Mor Rare Find Islay Whisky

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

Glenfarclas 40 Year OldCaol Ila 1983 / 42 Year Old / Gleann Mor Rare Find Islay Whisky
DistilleryGlenfarclasCaol Ila
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£1275£975
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

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

Caol Ila 1983 / 42 Year Old / Gleann Mor Rare Find Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 1983 / 42 Year Old / Gleann Mor Rare Find Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 1983 / 42 Year Old / Gleann Mor Rare Find Islay Whisky is better value at £975 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£1275 vs £975)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Caol Ila 1983 / 42 Year Old / Gleann Mor Rare Find Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£975 vs £1275)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 1983 / 42 Year Old / Gleann Mor Rare Find Islay 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 Caol Ila 1983 / 42 Year Old / Gleann Mor Rare Find Islay Whisky

SmokeyTobaccoFresh Fruit

Explore more