Glenfarclas 30 Year Old vs Highland Park 18 Year Old - Earl Haakon
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Glenfarclas
★ 5.00
£633

Highland Park 18 Year Old - Earl Haakon
Highland Park
£499
| Glenfarclas 30 Year Old | Highland Park 18 Year Old - Earl Haakon | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfarclas | Highland Park |
| Region | Speyside | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 54.9% |
| Age | 30 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £632.95 | £499 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Highland Park 18 Year Old - Earl Haakon
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Highland Park 18 Year Old - Earl Haakon
Quick verdict
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 18 Year Old - Earl Haakon is better value at £499 vs £633.
For beginners: Glenfarclas 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£632.95 vs £499)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Highland Park 18 Year Old - Earl Haakon
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£499 vs £632.95)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.9%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Glenfarclas?
Glenfarclas 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 18 Year Old - Earl Haakon 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Glenfarclas 30 Year Old
Only Highland Park 18 Year Old - Earl Haakon