Strathcolm Extra Special (Alistair Forfar) vs Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

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

Strathcolm Extra Special (Alistair Forfar)Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old
DistilleryAlistair ForfarMary Queen of Scots
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainBlended Malt
ABV40%40%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£28.24£36.5
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Strathcolm Extra Special (Alistair Forfar)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Strathcolm Extra Special (Alistair Forfar)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Strathcolm Extra Special (Alistair Forfar) is better value at £28 vs £37.

For beginners: Strathcolm Extra Special (Alistair Forfar) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Strathcolm Extra Special (Alistair Forfar)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£28.24 vs £36.5)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£36.5 vs £28.24)

Who should buy Strathcolm?

Strathcolm Extra Special (Alistair Forfar) 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 Mary?

Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

Only Mary Queen Of Scots 12 Year Old

Fresh Fruit

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