Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Brora
£995
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
| Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) | Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Brora | Strathisla |
| Region | Highland | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49% | 43% |
| Age | 23 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £995 | £1299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) is better value at £995 vs £1299.
For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£995 vs £1299)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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 £995)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Brora?
Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Brora 23 Year Old 1980 (cask 824) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)