Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2009 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2009 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay WhiskyStrathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryPort EllenStrathisla
RegionSpeyside
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS40 yr
Price£1200£1299
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2009 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2009 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay 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).

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2009 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is better value at £1200 vs £1299.

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

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2009 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1299)

Cons

  • 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

  • More expensive (£1299 vs £1200)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2009 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay 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 WoodSherried

Only Port Ellen 1982 / Bot.2009 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky

SmokeyLeathery

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

HoneyDried FruitTobacco

Explore more