Highland Park 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 4.354) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Michael Jackson Blend

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

Highland Park 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 4.354) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Michael Jackson Blend
DistilleryHighland ParkBerry Bros. & Rudd
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV62.7%43%
Age13 yrNAS
Price£150£90.36
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 4.354) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Michael Jackson Blend

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner75/100
Value55/100

Highland Park 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 4.354) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Michael Jackson Blend

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Michael Jackson Blend is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Michael Jackson Blend is better value at £90 vs £150.

For beginners: Michael Jackson Blend is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 4.354) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (62.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £90.36)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Michael Jackson Blend

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£90.36 vs £150)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 4.354) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 Michael?

Michael Jackson Blend 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

HoneyToastedMalt Extract

Only Highland Park 13 Year Old 2009 (cask 4.354) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Michael Jackson Blend

VanillaOily

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