Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299

Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Highland Park
£1762
| Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Strathisla | Highland Park |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 41% |
| Age | 40 yr | 45 yr |
| Price | £1299 | £1762.37 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
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 £1762.
For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
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
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (45 vs 40 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£1762.37 vs £1299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) 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 Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)