Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Thomas H Handy
£1250
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
| Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky | Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Thomas H Handy | Strathisla |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 40 yr |
| Price | £1250 | £1299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky is better value at £1250 vs £1299.
For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Pros
- +Intense, complex peat smoke character
- +More affordable (£1250 vs £1299)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 (£1299 vs £1250)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Thomas?
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for beginners.
Who should buy Strathisla?
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)