Glen Spey 16 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail

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

Glen Spey 16 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
DistilleryGlen SpeyStrathisla
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%43%
Age16 yr30 yr
Price£104.9£87.07
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 16 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner75/100
Value57/100

Glen Spey 16 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £105.

For beginners: Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Glen Spey 16 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£104.9 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 £104.9)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Spey 16 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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

SherriedHoneyOld Wood

Only Glen Spey 16 Year Old 2007 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)

Cooked FruitToasted

Only Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail

Dried FruitNutty

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