I can't say what the job is because it's a bit niche and it would be awful if the candidates recognised themselves but it's a low level management position requiring some practical skills but no formal qualifications.
Candidate 1 : Many years experience in many different but related fields as well as experience of the same job elsewhere. Sensible reason for leaving but no great desire for this company. Adequate answers at interview but nothing special. On another day he would probably have done enough to get the job and would be "Ok" in post. A safe choice.
Candidate 2: Very young, much younger than the people usually in this role, who tend to be approaching middle age. Varied work experience, including having been promoted to a management role in a PT job whilst still at school. He's been doing a junior role in the same field and whilst hasn't worked at this level has a very good understanding of what's required. Came to interview incredibly well prepared and did well on the written task, which I actually thought was too hard. Really excited about the job, some other interests and skills that could enable him to contribute much more widely than the job description. I think I could help him develop into a real asset, although there is undoubtedly work to do there.
Having written it down, I think I've made my decision but the younger man would be a risk. Would you go for it?