Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary
Bunnahabhain
£1500

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
| Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary | Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bunnahabhain | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.9% | 43% |
| Age | 35 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £1299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1299 vs £1500.
For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £1299)
- −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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary 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 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 Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)