Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice
Highland Park
£707
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Ardbeg
★ 5.00
£725
| Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice | Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Ardbeg |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40.1% | 48.1% |
| Age | 31 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £706.95 | £724.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £707 vs £725.
For beginners: Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£706.95 vs £724.95)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 24 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£724.95 vs £706.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice 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.
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Highland Park 31 Year Old 1987 (cask 1551) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)