Fettercairn 40 Year Old vs Yoichi 20 Year Old

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

Fettercairn 40 Year OldYoichi 20 Year Old
DistilleryFettercairnYoichi
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.9%52%
Age40 yr20 yr
Price£3500£2500
Rating5.00/54.33/5

Fettercairn 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner55/100
Value1/100

Yoichi 20 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner35/100
Value2/100

Fettercairn 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yoichi 20 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Fettercairn 40 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).

Yoichi 20 Year Old is better value at £2500 vs £3500.

For beginners: Fettercairn 40 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Fettercairn 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 20 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£3500 vs £2500)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Yoichi 20 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£2500 vs £3500)

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 40 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Yoichi?

Yoichi 20 Year Old 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

Only Fettercairn 40 Year Old

ChocolateCitricNuttyLeatheryOld Wood

Only Yoichi 20 Year Old

SmokeyOilyDried FruitMalt ExtractToasted

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