Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail vs Kilchoman 14 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 100% Islay 20th Anniversary Series

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

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhailKilchoman 14 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 100% Islay 20th Anniversary Series
DistilleryStrathislaKilchoman
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%55%
Age30 yr14 yr
Price£87.07£126.95
Rating5.00/5

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner75/100
Value57/100

Kilchoman 14 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 100% Islay 20th Anniversary Series

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kilchoman 14 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 100% Islay 20th Anniversary Series

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is better value at £87 vs £127.

For beginners: Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£87.07 vs £126.95)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Kilchoman 14 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 100% Islay 20th Anniversary Series

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (55%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£126.95 vs £87.07)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Strathisla?

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Kilchoman?

Kilchoman 14 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 100% Islay 20th Anniversary Series 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

Both taste of

Sherried

Only Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail

Old WoodHoneyDried FruitNutty

Only Kilchoman 14 Year Old Sherry Cask Matured 100% Islay 20th Anniversary Series

SmokeyTobaccoCooked FruitOily

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