Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar) vs Lower East Side Blended Malt
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)
Alistair Forfar
★ 4.00
£39

Lower East Side Blended Malt
Lower East Side
★ 5.00
£30
| Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar) | Lower East Side Blended Malt | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Alistair Forfar | Lower East Side |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £38.95 | £29.9 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Quick verdict
Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £39.
For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£38.95 vs £29.9)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
Lower East Side Blended Malt
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£29.9 vs £38.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Strathcolm?
Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain character.
Who should buy Lower?
Lower East Side Blended Malt 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Strathcolm 12 Year Old (Alistair Forfar)