Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1998 Exclusive Cask (cask 22/292-1) - 151st Open Royal Liverpool 2023 vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1998 Exclusive Cask (cask 22/292-1) - 151st Open Royal Liverpool 2023Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryLoch LomondStrathisla
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.2%43%
Age25 yr40 yr
Price£1395£1299
Rating5.00/5

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1998 Exclusive Cask (cask 22/292-1) - 151st Open Royal Liverpool 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value4/100

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1998 Exclusive Cask (cask 22/292-1) - 151st Open Royal Liverpool 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1299 vs £1395.

For beginners: Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1998 Exclusive Cask (cask 22/292-1) - 151st Open Royal Liverpool 2023

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1395 vs £1299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

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

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Loch?

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1998 Exclusive Cask (cask 22/292-1) - 151st Open Royal Liverpool 2023 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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

Dried FruitSherriedOld Wood

Only Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1998 Exclusive Cask (cask 22/292-1) - 151st Open Royal Liverpool 2023

NuttyVanilla

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

HoneyTobacco

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