Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Hoy Como Ayer 1956 Cuban Rum / Velier Single Traditional Blended Rum

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

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)Hoy Como Ayer 1956 Cuban Rum / Velier Single Traditional Blended Rum
DistilleryStrathislaVelier
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£1299£1500
Rating5.00/5

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Hoy Como Ayer 1956 Cuban Rum / Velier Single Traditional Blended Rum

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hoy Como Ayer 1956 Cuban Rum / Velier Single Traditional Blended Rum

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).

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

Hoy Como Ayer 1956 Cuban Rum / Velier Single Traditional Blended Rum

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 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 Hoy?

Hoy Como Ayer 1956 Cuban Rum / Velier Single Traditional Blended Rum suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodDried FruitTobacco

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedHoney

Only Hoy Como Ayer 1956 Cuban Rum / Velier Single Traditional Blended Rum

Leathery

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