Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch) vs Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Caol Ila
£70
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£87
| Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch) | Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.3% | 43% |
| Age | 25 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £70.45 | £87.07 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Quick verdict
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch) is better value at £70 vs £87.
For beginners: Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£70.45 vs £87.07)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£87.07 vs £70.45)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch) 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 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Only Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Where to buy
Caol Ila 25 Year Old 1984 Cask 5387 (Bladnoch)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange