Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£1342
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Glenfarclas
★ 5.00
£1275
| Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Glenfarclas 40 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Glenfarclas |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.3% | 43% |
| Age | 38 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £1341.5 | £1275 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is better value at £1275 vs £1342.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1341.5 vs £1275)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old