Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Hakushu Heavily Peated 2013

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

Glenfarclas 40 Year OldHakushu Heavily Peated 2013
DistilleryGlenfarclasHakushu
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%48%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£1275£999
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

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

Hakushu Heavily Peated 2013

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value5/100

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hakushu Heavily Peated 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Hakushu Heavily Peated 2013 is better value at £999 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
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1275 vs £999)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Hakushu Heavily Peated 2013

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£999 vs £1275)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Hakushu?

Hakushu Heavily Peated 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodHoneyDried FruitChocolate

Only Hakushu Heavily Peated 2013

SmokeyMedicinalCoal-gas

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