Lower East Side Blended Malt vs McConnell's 5 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish

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

Lower East Side Blended MaltMcConnell's 5 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
DistilleryLower East SideMcConnell's
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV40%46%
AgeNAS5 yr
Price£29.9£41.5
Rating5.00/54.33/5

Lower East Side Blended Malt

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

McConnell's 5 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

McConnell's 5 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £42.

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

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£29.9 vs £41.5)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

McConnell's 5 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£41.5 vs £29.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy McConnell's?

McConnell's 5 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only McConnell's 5 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish

SherriedDried FruitChocolateCooked Fruit

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