AE Dor No.9 Cognac vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

AE Dor No.9 CognacStrathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryAE DorStrathisla
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£1500£1299
Rating5.00/5

AE Dor No.9 Cognac

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

AE Dor No.9 Cognac

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1299 vs £1500.

For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

AE Dor No.9 Cognac

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy AE?

AE Dor No.9 Cognac suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only AE Dor No.9 Cognac

Leathery

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedHoneyTobacco

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