Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs North Port Brechin 40 Year Old 1976 (cask 3887) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
North Port Brechin 40 Year Old 1976 (cask 3887) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
North Port
★ 5.00
£1943
| Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | North Port Brechin 40 Year Old 1976 (cask 3887) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Strathisla | North Port |
| Region | Speyside | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 50.4% |
| Age | 40 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £1299 | £1942.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
North Port Brechin 40 Year Old 1976 (cask 3887) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
North Port Brechin 40 Year Old 1976 (cask 3887) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1299 vs £1943.
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 £1942.5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
North Port Brechin 40 Year Old 1976 (cask 3887) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1942.5 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 North?
North Port Brechin 40 Year Old 1976 (cask 3887) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only North Port Brechin 40 Year Old 1976 (cask 3887) - Cask Strength Collection Rare Reserve (Signatory)