Reference Series II.2 vs Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Reference Series II.2
Reference Series
★ 3.00
£104
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£87
| Reference Series II.2 | Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Reference Series | Strathisla |
| Region | Other Scotch | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.4% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 30 yr |
| Price | £103.95 | £87.07 |
| Rating | 3.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Reference Series II.2
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Reference Series II.2
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Quick verdict
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is better value at £87 vs £104.
For beginners: Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Reference Series II.2
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£103.95 vs £87.07)
- −Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£87.07 vs £103.95)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Reference?
Reference Series II.2 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Who should buy Strathisla?
Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Reference Series II.2
Only Strathisla 30 Year Old Gordon and MacPhail