Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Craigellachie
£127

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£87
| Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Craigellachie | Strathisla |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 60.1% | 43% |
| Age | 16 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £126.95 | £87.07 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Quick verdict
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is better value at £87 vs £127.
For beginners: Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (60.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£126.95 vs £87.07)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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)
- +More affordable (£87.07 vs £126.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Craigellachie?
Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail