SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky vs Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky
Caol Ila
£1200
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£799
| SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky | Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Highland Park |
| Region | — | Island |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 45.7% |
| Age | NAS | 25 yr |
| Price | £1200 | £799 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Quick verdict
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is better value at £799 vs £1200.
For beginners: Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1200 vs £799)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019 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
Only SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky
Only Highland Park 25 Year Old - Pre 2019