Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12254) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12254) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryHighland ParkBunnahabhain
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.5%44.6%
Age24 yr30 yr
Price£209.95£275.64
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner40/100
Value24/100

Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12254) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12254) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £210 vs £276.

For beginners: Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12254) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — may need water

Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12254) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 24 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£275.64 vs £209.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12254) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Highland Park 24 Year Old 1990 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SherriedHoney

Only Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old 1988 (cask 12254) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

LeatheryMedicinalDried Fruit

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