Glenfarclas 40 Year Old - Scottish Classic “Pieces of Eight” vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old - Scottish Classic “Pieces of Eight”Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryGlenfarclasLaphroaig
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%46.6%
Age40 yr32 yr
Price£1521.95£1500
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old - Scottish Classic “Pieces of Eight”

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value3/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value3/100

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old - Scottish Classic “Pieces of Eight”

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £1500 vs £1522.

For beginners: Glenfarclas 40 Year Old - Scottish Classic “Pieces of Eight” is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old - Scottish Classic “Pieces of Eight”

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 32 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1521.95 vs £1500)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1500 vs £1521.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Glenfarclas?

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old - Scottish Classic “Pieces of Eight” 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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old - Scottish Classic “Pieces of Eight”

HoneyChocolate

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeyLeathery

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