Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Tamnavulin 48 Year Old 1970 - Vintages Collection

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

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)Tamnavulin 48 Year Old 1970 - Vintages Collection
DistilleryStrathislaTamnavulin
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%40%
Age40 yr48 yr
Price£1299£1682.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

Tamnavulin 48 Year Old 1970 - Vintages Collection

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner70/100
Value3/100

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tamnavulin 48 Year Old 1970 - Vintages Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1299 vs £1683.

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

Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£1299 vs £1682.9)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Tamnavulin 48 Year Old 1970 - Vintages Collection

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (48 vs 40 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1682.9 vs £1299)

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.

Who should buy Tamnavulin?

Tamnavulin 48 Year Old 1970 - Vintages Collection suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old WoodSherriedHoneyDried Fruit

Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)

Tobacco

Only Tamnavulin 48 Year Old 1970 - Vintages Collection

Nutty

Explore more