Hibiki 17 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Hibiki 17 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu
Hibiki
★ 5.00
£1999

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
| Hibiki 17 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu | Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hibiki | Strathisla |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Japan | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Age | 17 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Hibiki 17 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Hibiki 17 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1299 vs £1999.
For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Hibiki 17 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1299)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£1299 vs £1999)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Hibiki?
Hibiki 17 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu 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 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 Hibiki 17 Year Old - Kacho Fugetsu
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)