Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Rosebank 21 Year Old - The Roses Edition #6 'Unity'

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

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)Rosebank 21 Year Old - The Roses Edition #6 'Unity'
DistilleryStrathislaRosebank
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%52.7%
Age40 yr21 yr
Price£1299£1750
Rating5.00/5

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Rosebank 21 Year Old - The Roses Edition #6 'Unity'

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 21 Year Old - The Roses Edition #6 'Unity'

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 £1750.

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

Rosebank 21 Year Old - The Roses Edition #6 'Unity'

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (52.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1750 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 Rosebank?

Rosebank 21 Year Old - The Roses Edition #6 'Unity' 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

Old WoodSherriedHoneyDried Fruit

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Tobacco

Only Rosebank 21 Year Old - The Roses Edition #6 'Unity'

Malt Extract

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