Brora 32 Year Old (Special Release 2011) vs Highland Park 40 Year Old

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

Brora 32 Year Old (Special Release 2011)Highland Park 40 Year Old
DistilleryBroraHighland Park
RegionHighlandIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%48.3%
Age32 yr40 yr
Price£2999£2995
Rating5.00/54.88/5

Brora 32 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Smoke63/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value2/100

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value2/100

Brora 32 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 40 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Brora 32 Year Old (Special Release 2011) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.88).

Highland Park 40 Year Old is better value at £2995 vs £2999.

For beginners: Highland Park 40 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Brora 32 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£2999 vs £2995)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Pros

  • +More affordable (£2995 vs £2999)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 32 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Brora?

Brora 32 Year Old (Special Release 2011) 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 Highland?

Highland Park 40 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Brora 32 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokeyLeatheryOilyCoal-gas

Only Highland Park 40 Year Old

SherriedTobaccoDried Fruit

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