Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) vs Highland Park 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 14573) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)Highland Park 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 14573) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryMaster of MaltHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%51.5%
Age40 yr21 yr
Price£286.95£307.06
Rating5.00/5

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner70/100
Value17/100

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 14573) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 14573) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is better value at £287 vs £307.

For beginners: Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£286.95 vs £307.06)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 14573) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£307.06 vs £286.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Master?

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 14573) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

HoneyOld WoodSherried

Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)

Dried FruitToasted

Only Highland Park 21 Year Old 1999 (cask 14573) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smokey

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