Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail) vs The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
Strathisla
£6250
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Balvenie
★ 4.80
£7225
| Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail) | The Balvenie 40 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Strathisla | Balvenie |
| Region | Speyside | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.6% | 42.2% |
| Age | 57 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £6250 | £7225 |
| Rating | — | 4.80/5 |
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Balvenie 40 Year Old is rated higher (4.80 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £6250 vs £7225.
For beginners: The Balvenie 40 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£6250 vs £7225)
- +Longer maturation (57 vs 40 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.6%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
The Balvenie 40 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£7225 vs £6250)
Who should buy Strathisla?
Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy The?
The Balvenie 40 Year Old 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
Only Strathisla 57 Year Old 1957 (cask 1730) - Private Collection Ultra (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only The Balvenie 40 Year Old