McGibbon's Red Ribbon vs Lower East Side Blended Malt

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

McGibbon's Red RibbonLower East Side Blended Malt
DistilleryDouglas McGibbonLower East Side
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%40%
AgeNASNAS
Price£21.95£29.9
Rating3.67/55.00/5

McGibbon's Red Ribbon

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

McGibbon's Red Ribbon

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.67).

McGibbon's Red Ribbon is better value at £22 vs £30.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

McGibbon's Red Ribbon

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£21.95 vs £29.9)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.7 vs 5.0)

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£29.9 vs £21.95)

Who should buy McGibbon's?

McGibbon's Red Ribbon suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt 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

Malt ExtractVanilla

Only McGibbon's Red Ribbon

Toasted

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoney

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