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 AnniversaryStrathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryBunnahabhainStrathisla
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.9%43%
Age35 yr40 yr
Price£1500£1299
Rating5.00/5

Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value4/100

Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old 125th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedHoneyTobacco

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