Balvenie Tun 1401 / Batch 7 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Balvenie Tun 1401 / Batch 7 Speyside Single Malt Scotch WhiskyStrathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryBalvenieStrathisla
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£2000£1299
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie Tun 1401 / Batch 7 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Balvenie Tun 1401 / Batch 7 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

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 £2000.

For beginners: Balvenie Tun 1401 / Batch 7 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Balvenie Tun 1401 / Batch 7 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£2000 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 Balvenie?

Balvenie Tun 1401 / Batch 7 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 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 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

SherriedHoneyDried Fruit

Only Balvenie Tun 1401 / Batch 7 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

VanillaCooked Fruit

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Old WoodTobacco

Explore more