Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
★ 5.00
£1299
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Thomas H Handy
£1250
| Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) | Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Strathisla | Thomas H Handy |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 43% | 40% |
| Age | 40 yr | NAS |
| Price | £1299 | £1250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Quick verdict
Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky is better value at £1250 vs £1299.
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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£1299 vs £1250)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky
Pros
- +Intense, complex peat smoke character
- +More affordable (£1250 vs £1299)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Challenging for beginners — intense and polarising
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Thomas?
Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky is for peat enthusiasts and experienced whisky lovers who appreciate bold, smoky, medicinal character. If you enjoy Ardbeg or Laphroaig, this is your dram. Not recommended for beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Strathisla 40 Year Old (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Thomas H Handy Sazerac 2012 / Bot.2018 Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky