Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£1500
| Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Strathisla | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 51.2% |
| Age | 40 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £1299 | £1500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
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
- +More affordable (£1299 vs £1500)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £1299)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Caol?
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 40 Year Old 1979 - Xtra Old Particular The Black Series (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange