Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£1999
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
| Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) | Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 52% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
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).
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −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
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012) 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 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 Lagavulin 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2012)
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)