Staoisha 5 Year Old 2013 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr) vs Lower East Side Blended Malt

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

Staoisha 5 Year Old 2013 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)Lower East Side Blended Malt
DistilleryBunnahabhainLower East Side
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV47.5%40%
Age5 yrNAS
Price£42.95£29.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Staoisha 5 Year Old 2013 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Staoisha 5 Year Old 2013 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £43.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Staoisha 5 Year Old 2013 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£42.95 vs £29.9)

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.9 vs £42.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Staoisha?

Staoisha 5 Year Old 2013 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt 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

Only Staoisha 5 Year Old 2013 - Strictly Limited (Càrn Mòr)

SmokeySherriedCooked FruitMedicinal

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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