Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 - Fèis Ìle 2022 vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 - Fèis Ìle 2022
Bowmore
£1500
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
| Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 - Fèis Ìle 2022 | Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.2% | 43% |
| Age | 25 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £1299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 - Fèis Ìle 2022
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 - Fèis Ìle 2022
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
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).
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 - Fèis Ìle 2022
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
- −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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 - Fèis Ìle 2022 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
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
Only Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 - Fèis Ìle 2022
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
Bowmore 25 Year Old 1996 - Fèis Ìle 2022
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange