Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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

Glenfarclas 30 Year OldHakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
DistilleryGlenfarclasHakushu
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%60.7%
Age30 yr21 yr
Price£632.95£949.95
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value8/100

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is better value at £633 vs £950.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£632.95 vs £949.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (60.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£949.95 vs £632.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Hakushu?

Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

ChocolateOld Wood

Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old

SherriedDried FruitTobacco

Only Hakushu 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 120.1) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

HoneyVanillaNutty

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