Glenfarclas 40 Year Old vs Laphroaig 17 Year Old 1989 - Fèis Ìle 2007

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

Glenfarclas 40 Year OldLaphroaig 17 Year Old 1989 - Fèis Ìle 2007
DistilleryGlenfarclasLaphroaig
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%50.3%
Age40 yr17 yr
Price£1275£999
Rating5.00/5

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

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

Laphroaig 17 Year Old 1989 - Fèis Ìle 2007

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 17 Year Old 1989 - Fèis Ìle 2007

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfarclas 40 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Laphroaig 17 Year Old 1989 - Fèis Ìle 2007 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

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

Laphroaig 17 Year Old 1989 - Fèis Ìle 2007

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£999 vs £1275)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 17 Year Old 1989 - Fèis Ìle 2007 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 Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

SherriedOld WoodHoneyDried FruitChocolate

Only Laphroaig 17 Year Old 1989 - Fèis Ìle 2007

SmokeyMedicinalKipperyLeathery

Explore more