Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Glenugie 1981 / 23 Year Old / Sherry Cask #5155 / Duncan Taylor Highland Whisky

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

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)Glenugie 1981 / 23 Year Old / Sherry Cask #5155 / Duncan Taylor Highland Whisky
DistilleryStrathislaGlenugie
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age40 yrNAS
Price£1299£1100
Rating5.00/5

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Glenugie 1981 / 23 Year Old / Sherry Cask #5155 / Duncan Taylor Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenugie 1981 / 23 Year Old / Sherry Cask #5155 / Duncan Taylor Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenugie 1981 / 23 Year Old / Sherry Cask #5155 / Duncan Taylor Highland Whisky is better value at £1100 vs £1299.

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

  • More expensive (£1299 vs £1100)

Glenugie 1981 / 23 Year Old / Sherry Cask #5155 / Duncan Taylor Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£1100 vs £1299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 Glenugie?

Glenugie 1981 / 23 Year Old / Sherry Cask #5155 / Duncan Taylor Highland Whisky 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 WoodSherriedHoneyDried Fruit

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Tobacco

Only Glenugie 1981 / 23 Year Old / Sherry Cask #5155 / Duncan Taylor Highland Whisky

Nutty

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