Foursquare 2012 Port Cask / 9 Year Old / Holmes Cay vs Mac-Talla Strata

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

Foursquare 2012 Port Cask / 9 Year Old / Holmes CayMac-Talla Strata
DistilleryFoursquareMac-Talla
Region
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
AgeNAS15 yr
Price£89.95£80.95
Rating5.00/5

Foursquare 2012 Port Cask / 9 Year Old / Holmes Cay

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Mac-Talla Strata

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner55/100
Value62/100

Foursquare 2012 Port Cask / 9 Year Old / Holmes Cay

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mac-Talla Strata

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mac-Talla Strata is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mac-Talla Strata is better value at £81 vs £90.

For beginners: Foursquare 2012 Port Cask / 9 Year Old / Holmes Cay is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Foursquare 2012 Port Cask / 9 Year Old / Holmes Cay

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£89.95 vs £80.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Mac-Talla Strata

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£80.95 vs £89.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Foursquare?

Foursquare 2012 Port Cask / 9 Year Old / Holmes Cay 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 Mac-Talla?

Mac-Talla Strata suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Foursquare 2012 Port Cask / 9 Year Old / Holmes Cay

Dried FruitVanillaChocolateOilyToasted

Only Mac-Talla Strata

SmokeyFresh FruitSherriedMedicinalSandy

Explore more