The Balvenie 40 Year Old vs Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£7225
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
£6250
| The Balvenie 40 Year Old | Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Strathisla |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.2% | 51.6% |
| Age | 40 yr | 57 yr |
| Price | £7225 | £6250 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | — |
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
The Balvenie 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £6250 vs £7225.
For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£7225 vs £6250)
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£6250 vs £7225)
- +Longer maturation (57 vs 40 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.6%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Who should buy The?
The Balvenie 40 Year Old 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 Strathisla?
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Only Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)