Oban 13 Year Old / Bot.1990 / Manager's Dram / Sherry Cask Highland Whisky vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Oban 13 Year Old / Bot.1990 / Manager's Dram / Sherry Cask Highland WhiskyStrathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryObanStrathisla
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£1100£1299
Rating5.00/5

Oban 13 Year Old / Bot.1990 / Manager's Dram / Sherry Cask Highland Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Oban 13 Year Old / Bot.1990 / Manager's Dram / Sherry Cask Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Oban 13 Year Old / Bot.1990 / Manager's Dram / Sherry Cask Highland Whisky is better value at £1100 vs £1299.

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

Oban 13 Year Old / Bot.1990 / Manager's Dram / Sherry Cask Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1100 vs £1299)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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

  • More expensive (£1299 vs £1100)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Oban?

Oban 13 Year Old / Bot.1990 / Manager's Dram / Sherry Cask Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

Old Wood

Only Oban 13 Year Old / Bot.1990 / Manager's Dram / Sherry Cask Highland Whisky

SmokeyOilyLeathery

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitTobacco

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