Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£1999
| Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Strathisla | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 52% |
| Age | 40 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £1299 | £1999 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Quick verdict
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1299 vs £1999.
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 £1999)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1299)
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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) 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 Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)